You are going home with a feeding tube in place. One of the things you must do is flush your tube to keep it from becoming clogged. You will flush your tube with warm water after each feeding, and before and after giving yourself any medicines. You were shown how to flush and care for your tube in the hospital. This sheet helps you remember the steps when you are at home.
Ask for phone numbers to call if you need help.
Healthcare provider phone number:
Home health nurse phone number:
Medical supply company phone number:
Wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap and clean, running water. Or use a hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol.
Here are the supplies you will need:
50 mL (cc) syringe or larger
Bowl of warm water
Medical tape
Flush the feeding tube with warm water and a clean syringe. Do this before the first daily feeding, after the last daily feeding, and at other times as instructed. Follow these steps:
Put the tip of the syringe in the water.
Draw up the advised amount of water.
Turn off the pump.
Not all tubes have clamps. Close the clamp on the feeding bag tubing if there is one.
Remove the tubing from the port.
Put the tip of the syringe in the feeding port.
Push the plunger down slowly. Use an even, gentle push.
Let the water run through the feeding tube.
Start your feeding or close the cap on the feeding port.
Tape the tube to your skin with medical tape.
Depending on your healthcare provider's instructions, flush the feeding tube before and after each feeding, in between each medicine, and after medicines. Use a clean syringe and warm water. Follow these steps:
Fill a clean bowl with warm water.
Put the tip of the syringe in the water.
Draw up
Open the cap on the feeding port.
Put the tip of the syringe in the feeding port.
Push down on the plunger slowly. Use an even, gentle push. Let the water run through the tube.
Close the cap.
Tape the tube to your skin with medical tape.
Call
You are choking
You have a large amount of bloody or coffee-colored drainage through the tube
You see a small amount of bloody or coffee-colored drainage through the tube.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:
Trouble breathing during feeding, flushing, or giving medicine
Tube that can’t be unclogged
Tube that falls out or trouble telling if the tube is in your stomach
Tube that is cracked or breaking down
Diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 loose stools
Constipation that lasts more than 48 hours
Upset stomach or vomiting
Redness, warmth, or soreness in the skin around the tube
Sudden weight loss or gain (more than 2 pounds in 24 hours)
Bloated or tight belly
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider
Chills