A gastrostomy tube feeding should be treated as a normal meal.<\/p>\n
The procedure must never be rushed, and the atmosphere should be pleasant and relaxing for the patient. The prescribed feeding may be a commercially prepared formula or a special preparation from the hospital food service.<\/p>\n
The procedure for administration of a gastrostomy tube feeding is as follows.<\/p>\n
a. Review the patient’s clinical record to verify physician’s order for the amount and type of tube feeding.<\/p>\n
b. Wash your hands.<\/p>\n
c. Collect the necessary supplies and equipment.<\/p>\n
(1) Feeding solution, as prescribed.<\/p>\n
(2) Large bulb syringe or catheter tip 50cc syringes.<\/p>\n
(3) Tap water.<\/p>\n
(4) Graduated container for measuring.<\/p>\n
d. Prepare the tube feeding, as ordered.<\/p>\n
(1) For 1\/4, 1\/2, or 3\/4 strength feeding, mix the solution with the appropriate amount of water to obtain the desired strength.<\/p>\n
(2) Always check the label of a commercially prepared formula for expiration date.<\/p>\n
(3) When mixing a feeding formula, label with date, time, and initials.<\/p>\n
(4) Warm solution to room temperature to prevent cramps and gas formation.<\/p>\n
e. Approach and identify the patient and explain procedure.<\/p>\n
f. Provide for patient privacy.<\/p>\n
g. Place patient in semi-fowler’s position in bed to promote digestion.<\/p>\n
h. Fold top linen down to expose gastrostomy tube and protect area with towel.<\/p>\n
i. Attach the syringe to the clamped gastrostomy tube.<\/p>\n
(1) Remove plunger if using a 50cc catheter tip syringe.<\/p>\n
(2) Remove bulb from bulb syringe.<\/p>\n
j. Check patency of the tube by pouring a small amount of water from the graduated container into the syringe.<\/p>\n
(1) Remove clamp.<\/p>\n
(2) If water flows freely, the tube is patent.<\/p>\n
(3) If water does not flow freely, notify the professional nurse.<\/p>\n
k. Pour feeding solution into the syringe.<\/p>\n
(1) As solution flows into the stomach, tilt the syringe to allow air bubbles to escape.<\/p>\n
(2) Add more solution to the syringe when about one quarter of it remains.<\/p>\n
(3) Increase or decrease the flow rate by raising or lowering the syringe.<\/p>\n
(4) Depending upon the solution’s consistency, and the amount, feeding may take 10 to 20 minutes.<\/p>\n
l. After administering the ordered amount of feeding solution, flush the tube with 30 ml of water to clear the feeding solution residue.<\/p>\n
m. Clamp or plug the tube to prevent leakage.<\/p>\n
n. Instruct patient to remain in a sitting position for 30 minutes to enhance normal digestive process.<\/p>\n
o. Record feeding on intake and output record. Record procedure and the patient’s tolerance in the nursing notes.<\/p>\n
p. Check back with the patient. He should not feel overly full or nauseated. Report these symptoms to the professional nurse at once. Gastric distress may require adjustment of feeding schedule.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A gastrostomy tube feeding should be treated as a normal meal. The procedure must never be rushed, and the atmosphere should be pleasant and relaxing for the patient. The prescribed feeding may be a commercially prepared formula or a special preparation from the hospital food service. The procedure for administration of a gastrostomy tube feeding … Continue reading 1-42. GASTROSTOMY TUBE FEEDING\u00a0<\/span>