It is never easy to see a family member with a feeding tube. A feeding tube (or nasogastric tube) is often required for patients who have difficulty swallowing. This allows them to receive the necessary nutrients in a safe way. First time caregivers in particular, may find feeding tube management challenging. Show
At Jaga-Me, we believe in empowering caregivers to care for their loved ones. In this article, we will be sharing tips from Jaga-Me nurses on performing tube feeding care at home. If you still do not feel confident, our expert nurses can also perform feeding tube insertion services at home. How often should I change the feeding tube?
*Do check the manufacturer’s note for exact recommendations. Hygiene should always be a top priority when performing feeding tube care at home. Syringes should be washed with water (do not boil) and thoroughly dried after each use. They should be changed every 2-3 days, and more frequently if there are visible marks in the syringe. Tube Feeding Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions about Feeding Tube Care at HomeHow do I check if the tube is still in place?You can measure the exposed length of the feeding tube, and check that the micropore tape has not shifted. What should I do if the tube has been displaced?We recommend a trained nurse to assess the situation in person. Do not attempt to re-insert the feeding tube on your own. How do I maintain the oral and nasal hygiene of the patient?Carrying out feeding tube care at home doesn’t just involve changing and handling the tube. It also means maintaining your loved one’s oral and nasal hygiene to avoid debris, liquid, or plaque build up that can lead to health issues.
How often should I replace the micropore tape?The micropore tape should be replaced once a day, when cleaning your loved one’s face. Using a warm cloth, gently loosen the micropore tape. Remove the tape from the face and from the tube. Reattach a new micropore tape. Why is the milk not flowing down during the feeding?It is most likely that the tube is stuck with milk or medicine. You may reposition your loved one to the left and observe if the milk flows. If it does not, contact your home care nurse for replacement of the feeding tube. Do not use the syringe and plunger to attempt to force through the obstruction as you could cause significant discomfort to your loved one. Expert tips from a Jaga-Me NurseOur Jaga-Me nurse has these expert tips to share to help you safely and easily carry out feeding tube care at home:
Expert Opinion on Feeding Tube Care at Home
How can I get more expert support?You can contact Jaga-Me for medical assistance regarding feeding tube care at home. Alternatively, you can seek advice from your JagaPro in person when you engage Jaga-Me’s Home Care Services. Award winning Home Care trusted by health professionals – Jaga-Me Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the health care provider?Assessment findings that include current vital signs, lab values, changes in condition such as decreased urine output, cardiac rhythm, pain level, and mental status, as well as pertinent medical history with recommendations for care, are communicated to the provider by the nurse.
Which client group is at the greatest risk for developing a urinary tract infection?The incidence of UTI is higher in women compared with men across all age groups. UTI is frequent in young sexually active women with reported incidence rates ranging from 0.5 to 0.7 per person-year [8], while in young men aged 18–24, the reported incidence of UTI is 0.01 per person-year [9].
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