December 14, 2018
We get many questions on our My MIC-KEY* Facebook Page. Here is one of our frequently asked questions, which you may find helpful.
Question: What are the steps for daily maintenance of the feeding tube?
Answer:
- Wash hands with soap and water then dry hands thoroughly before touching the tube.
- Inspect the skin around the stoma before and after feeding. Make sure the skin is clean and dry, free of infection, and check for any gastric leakage.
- If a dressing is used, change it when it becomes wet or soiled. Dressings are not recommended for long-term use and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
- Gently clean the skin around the stoma using soap and warm water and cotton-tip applicators or a soft cloth, followed by a thorough rinsing and drying well.
- Inspect the tube and rotate the bolster 360o plus a quarter turn to prevent tissue from adhering to the tube, to relieve pressure on the skin and to allow for air circulation. Do not rotate jejunal tubes, as they extend into the jejunum and rotating may cause them to torque and retract into the stomach.
- Gently clean the feeding port with a cotton-tip applicator or soft cloth.
- Flush the feeding tube with water every 4-6 hours during continuous feeding, before and after every intermittent or bolus feeding, or at least every 8 hours if the tube is not being used.
Do you have a question you would like answered by our team? Ask it on Facebook!