WEEK 9 FEED TUBES

Question 1

What is the full name of a PEG tube?

Answer 1

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

Question 2

What 2 parts keep the PEG tube in place?

Answer 2

Balloon prevents tube from being pulled out

Flange prevents tube from going further into stomach

Question 3

What is another term for providing feeding through a tube?

Answer 3

Gavage

Question 4

Why may a feed tube be necessary in surgical patients?

Answer 4

Decompression of stomach to decrease distention and provide time to heal

Question 5

What is another term for washing the stomach or “having your stomach pumped?”

Answer 5

Lavage

Question 6

About how long can an NG or NJ tube be placed for?

Answer 6

4 weeks (short term)

Question 7

What is the volume of water used to flush a feeding tube before, after, and in between medications?

Answer 7

30 cc pre/post
15 cc in between

Question 8

How should the dressing for a G or J tube be maintained after insertion?

Answer 8

Changed every day until no longer drainage, then left open to air

Question 9

How should the cylinder and syringe used to administer feeding tube medications be maintained?

Answer 9

Pulled apart, rinsed, and left to air dry after each use

Changed every 24 hrs

Question 10

What are 3 important points to remember to prevent aspiration when using a feeding tube?

Answer 10

1. Check placement of tube before using
2. Ensure HOB at 30 degrees before and 30 minutes after administration
3. Lung assessment

Question 11

What is an example of an enzyme used to unblock a feeding tube?

Answer 11

Pancrealipase

Question 12

What are 3 possible causes for diarrhea or constipation when using a feeding tube?

Answer 12

1. Type of feed
2. Not using enough water, not diluting liquid medications
3. Contamination of formula or tubing

Question 13

What are 3 nursing actions associated with delayed gastric emptying due to using a feeding tube?

Answer 13

1. Abdominal assessment
2. Administer metoclopramide
3. Encourage activity
4. Lie patient on RIGHT side

Question 14

What are 2 products the nurse can use in response to skin breakdown around the nose from a feeding tube?

Answer 14

Barrier cream or liquid bandaid

Question 15

What should be done prior to obtaining gastric aspirate?

Answer 15

Flush tube with 30 cc air

Question 16

What pH is ideal for stomach contents?

Answer 16

1-4

Question 17

Under what 3 conditions would a gastric pH of 5-6 be ok?

Answer 17

1. Patient is receiving certain medications e.g. antacids, proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers
2. The tube is in the small intestine
3. Patient is receiving continuous tube feed

Question 18

What pH is definitely a no-no for feeding tubes, and what does it indicate?

Answer 18

7 or higher

Indicates saliva or respiratory secretions