Halyard MIC GE FEEDING TUBE Instrucciones página 3

Gastric Decompression
Some specialists recommend decompressing the stomach (letting the air or fluid
out) before or after feeding. Follow your specialist's instructions. Open the Gastric
access port and connect it to gravity drainage or low intermittent suction. This
allows stomach contents and/or gas to escape. Remember to flush the feeding
tube as described in the Tube Flushing section above. Do not use continuous or
high intermittent suction. High pressure could collapse the tube and may cause
injury.
Stoma Care
As the stoma heals, carefully cleanse the site with normal saline three times daily
to remove the small amount of mucous that normally accumulates around the
stoma. If the mucous dries, it may irritate the skin. Applying a small amount of
water may loosen the dried material.
After the stoma heals, a thorough cleansing with mild soap and water is best.
A dressing is not necessary, and contributes to skin maceration and infection.
Unless recommended by your specialist, avoid medicated ointments or powders.
Do not use mineral oil or petroleum based products. DO NOT ROTATE THE TUBE.
Jejunal tubes must NOT be rotated because they will kink. If a kink in the tubes
occurs, consult physician.
Tube Care
1. Balloon Maintenance: Check the water volume in the balloon once a
week. Insert a male Luer syringe into the Balloon Inflation Port (labeled
BAL). Withdraw the water from the balloon. The amount of water you
withdraw should equal the prescribed amount. If you withdraw less water
than the prescribed amount, replace the amount recommended by your
specialist. Never add water before you withdraw all of the water from the
balloon. Do not exceed the prescribed amount of water.
Note: The use of a Luer-lock syringe may make this more difficult.
A Luer-slip syringe is recommended.
2. Change in Tube Length: Check the centimeter number on the tube length
before every feeding and during tube care. Compare the position of the tube
with the number recorded in the information section. If the length is too
short or too long, wash the tube and both sides of the retention ring with
soap and water. Adjust the ring and the tube to the original position. The ring
should be 1–2 mm from the stoma to anchor the balloon against the inside
stomach wall.
3. Tube Blockage: Obstructions are may be caused by formula or other
accumulations (body fluids, medications) inside the tube. Prevent this by
thoroughly flushing the tube as described in the Tube Flushing section above.
If the flow is sluggish, gently inject the water, and let it flow back out of the
tube until the obstruction has cleared. When you feel too much resistance
and cannot inject water at all, the tube may need to be repositioned or
replaced because it may be kinked. High pressure can rupture the tube. If the
obstruction is above the skin line, massage the tube between your fingers to
break it up. If none of these measures work, call your specialist. Inserting any
foreign object into the tube may puncture it.
4. Granulation Tissue: A small amount of extra tissue around the stoma site is
simply the body's attempt to heal the wound. This is normal. It is also normal
for the extra tissue to secrete a small amount of mucous. If the tissue bleeds
excessively, drains, or interferes with positioning the external retention ring,
call your specialist.
5. Unusual Symptoms: Consult your health care practitioner if any of the
following symptoms occur. Abdominal pain • Abdominal discomfort •
Abdominal tenderness • Abdominal distension • Dizziness or fainting •
Unexplained fever • Unusual amount of bleeding through or around the tube.
DOs
DO Irrigate both access ports every six hours with water.
DO Keep the Gastric and Jejunal access ports clean.
DO Wash the tube and external retention ring often.
DO Adjust the external retention ring 1-2 mm from the skin.
DO Use commercially prepared formula for jejunal feeding.
DO Use a feeding pump to give formula.
DON'Ts
DON'T Let formula sit in the tube.
DON'T Use any diet not prescribed by your Health Care Provider.
DON'T Fill the balloon with air, medications, or food.
DON'T Push the external retention ring tightly onto the abdomen.
DON'T Clamp the tube with instruments that may damage the tube.
DON'T Use oil based lubricants and creams.
DON'T Use gravity or bolus feedings through the jejunal port.
DON'T Use suction on the jejunal port or check for residuals.
DON'T Rotate the tube in a circle.
DON'T Tape the ring to the skin.
DON'T Attempt to clear an obstruction with a wire or other
foreign object.
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