G-Tube Feeding Tips

 

 

Medically Edited and Reviewed by Dr. Erin Zinkhan MD, BSBE
Updated: January 11, 2022

 

 

Gastrostomy Feeding Tube Supplies For Sale Couple

 

 

Gastrostomy tube feeding, also called G-tube feeding, is a way to ensure that a patient who cannot eat enough food gets adequate nutrition. G-tube feeding may be the best option to provide nutrition for these patients.

AMT Mini Balloon G-Tube

A G-tube is a flexible tube that enters the stomach through a surgical incision called a stoma. Medical food can be given through the G-tube directly into the stomach.

Anytime a device such as a G-tube enters the body there is a risk of infection; therefore, to keep the patient healthy, it is important to wash hands frequently, keep the stoma clean and dry, and wash feeding supplies every day.

 

Things to Know if You Have a G-tube

 

How to Feed Yourself

Just follow these simple steps for a step-by-step guide on g-tube feeding:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
  2. Attach a 60cc (two ounce) syringe to the end of the G-tube and pull back.
  3. Note: you should expect to see some stomach fluid in the syringe. Talk to your doctor if you are not seeing any fluid as this can indicate that the G-tube may be out of place.
  4. Insert the feeding bag line into the G-Tube
  5. Adjust the flow by opening the clamp slowly.
  6. After feeding, flush the line by adding some water.
  7. Note: the amount of water used to flush the line should be specified by a doctor.

 

How to Give Medication

Mic-Key Bolus Feeding Tube

Liquid Medication and crushable pills can be given through a G-tube. First, check with your medical professional to determine if your pills are safe to crush. If your pills are safe to crush, you can give the medication by following these steps:

  1. Make sure your G-tube is properly in place by attaching an empty syringe and pulling back.
  2. Flush the G-tube with 30cc's (one ounce) of water.
  3. Dissolve fully crushed pills in warm water.
  4. Deliver the dissolved medication through the G-tube with a syringe.
  5. Flush the G-tube again with water.

Helpful Tips

There are many things to keep in mind for G-tube feeding.

  1. Make sure the G-tube is clean and free of obstruction by flushing the G-tube with water immediately before and after feeding.
  2. Be aware of any changes in the length of the G-tube. These changes could indicate that the G-tube is out of place..
  3. Talk to a Doctor if you do not see fluid when testing the position of your G-tube. Not seeing fluid when you pull back with a syringe could indicate that the G-tube is out of place.
  4. You should not have difficulty breathing nor should you choke during G-tube feeding. Discomfort during feeding could mean that the flow is too fast.
  5. Sit-up during feeding, which will help the feeding flow naturally.

 

 

Sources:

https://www.upmc.com/health-library/article?hwid=abo0957

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000165.htm