Many of our patients with swallowing difficulties and other health conditions use gastric tube feeding to get the nutrition they need, and the loved ones who care for them often have questions about the process. At Ideal Home Care Services, we’re committed to helping clients and their families in Long Island live their best lives. Here, we tell you everything you need to know about safely and effectively using a gastric feeding tube.
Types of Feeding Tubes
Several types of feeding tubes can be used at home. The basic gastric feeding tube procedure is similar for all of them, and you may use a syringe or pump, depending on the circumstances.
- Nasogastric (NG) feeding tubes go through the nose and into the stomach
- Gastronomy feeding tubes go through the skin of the belly directly into the stomach
- Jejunostomy (J) feeding tubes are placed through the skin of the belly into the small intestine
The type of gastric feeding tube and nutritional formula your loved one is prescribed will depend on their specific needs. Our skilled nursing professionals can help you understand how your loved one’s feeding tube works and the best practices for using it.
Preparation
Before beginning the gastric tube feeding procedure, it’s important to prepare your space and ensure the equipment and nutritional formula are safe to administer.
First, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer to minimize the risk of infection. Gather your supplies, including the feeding syringe or pump, surgical gloves, prescribed feeding formula, water for flushing the tube, and a towel for cleanup.
Look for any cracks, blockages, or damage to the gastric feeding tube, and make sure all connections are secure. Check the expiration date on the feeding formula, shake the can or bottle well, and clean the top before opening it. If it’s in the refrigerator, take it out about half an hour before you administer it to let it warm up. Giving nutritional formula at room temperature can make the process more comfortable and help patients avoid gastrointestinal distress.
Position the Patient
It’s crucial to ensure the patient is in a proper position to keep them comfortable and minimize the risk of aspiration during gastric tube feeding. Make sure the patient is in an upright position with the head elevated at least 30 to 45 degrees during the gastric feeding tube procedure and for 30 – 60 minutes afterward. If you have any questions about how to position your loved one during gastric tube feeding, our experienced caregivers can help.
Flush the Tube
Check to make sure the tube is clear by flushing it with 30-50 mL of water. Attach the syringe to the feeding tube and gently push the water through. If you encounter resistance, avoid forcing water through the tube and contact your healthcare or home care services provider.
Administer the Feeding Formula
Bolus feeding is administered using a syringe several times throughout the day. Continuous feeding is usually administered with a pump and provides steady, long-term nutrition.
Bolus Feeding
Carefully attach the syringe to the feeding tube. Pour the prescribed amount of nutritional formula into the syringe. Gently push the plunger until all of the formula is gone. Pushing the plunger too fast or forcefully can cause discomfort.
Continuous Feeding
Ensure the feeding pump is set up correctly, per the manufacturer’s instructions. Fill the feeding bag with nutritional formula and hang it on an IV pole. Program the prescribed feeding rate and volume into the feeding pump and turn it on.
Make sure to note or record the time and amount of nutritional formula that was administered. Our personal care aides and skilled nurses always keep accurate records of any food or medication that is administered.
Monitoring and Observations
During and after the feeding, make sure to pay attention to your loved one in case they have an adverse reaction or complications. Nausea, vomiting, bloating, or discomfort can be tough to deal with, and having you there can help them feel more secure. Clean and dress the tube insertion site as needed.
Potential Complications of Gastric Tube Feeding
If your loved one has a feeding tube in the nose and you see any signs of aspiration, such as coughing, wheezing, choking, or difficulty breathing, stop the feeding and sit them upright to help clear their airway. If they are experiencing serious respiratory distress, call 911.
It’s also important to inspect the area around the tube insertion site for redness, swelling, or irritation, which can indicate infection. If a gastric feeding tube gets pulled out or you regularly notice symptoms like persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and coughing or breathing difficulties during or after feeding, contact your loved one’s healthcare provider.
Learn More about How We Can Help with Gastric Tube Feeding
At Ideal Home Care Services, we understand that caring for a loved one can be overwhelming. If you need help with gastric tube feeding, our compassionate, knowledgeable home care service providers are here for you. To find out more about all our home care services in Long Island, contact us or call 631-509-5600 today.