How do you unclog a enteral feeding tube?

How do you unclog a enteral feeding tube?

The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) recommends warm water as the best option to attempt to unclog a feeding tube. They suggest attaching a 30- or 60-mL piston syringe to the feeding tube to help dislodge the clog. Pull back on the plunger to see if that dislodges the clog.

What solution is commonly used to flush a clogged feeding tube?

Try an enzymatic declogging agent such as Clog Zapper, or if available, mix one crushed tablet of Viokace with one 324 mg non-enteric-coated tablet of sodium bicarbonate or 1/8 teaspoon baking soda and 5 mL water and allow to soak in the tube before flushing with 30 to 60 mL water.

How does clog zapper work?

CLOG ZAPPER combines an “enzyme cocktail,” acids, buffers, antimicrobial agents, and metal inhibitors in an all-inclusive, ready-to-use system. The ingredients all work together to loosen, break down and dislodge clogs.

How do you unclog a PEG tube with pancrelipase?

Draw up both baking soda and pancrelipase solutions into one small syringe. 5. Attach an empty syringe to the feeding tube; then draw back on plunger of syringe to decompress all air and fluid from the feeding tube. Pinch off the tube with your fingers, and discard syringe.

How do you unclog a feeding tube with pancreatic enzymes?

If tube is still blocked, PLACE pancreatic enzyme tablet and sodium bicarbonate tablet into pill crusher and crush tablets into fine powder. Transfer powder to med cup and ADD 4 mL of warm water (or sterile water) to dissolve thoroughly. Additional water may be added if required.

How do you unclog a G tube with Coke?

Can I use Coke to unclog my feeding tube? It’s not recommend by registered dietitians. Soda and juice are acidic and can react with any formula left in the tube, making the clog worse. Research shows that the best way to resolve a feeding tube clog is to use warm water and a “push-pull” motion with a 60-mL syringe.

Can you use Creon to unclog feeding tube?

Conclusion: An alkalinized Creon pancreatic enzyme protocol was effective in clearing approximately half of the occluded enteral feeding tubes in this retrospective study, an efficacy rate much less than that previously reported in the literature with a Viokase-based protocol.

How can I unblock my PEJ?

Push the water into your tube with a 60 mL syringe.

1. Gently push and pull the plunger to loosen the clog.
2. If the clog doesn’t release right away, clamp your tube and let the water “soak” for 15 minutes.
3. Try gently massaging the tubing with your fingertips.
4. Unclamp the tube and repeat steps 1 through 5.

How often should a feeding tube be cleaned?

Once to twice per week, or more often if equipment remains visibly soiled: Good hand hygiene is always required in preparing feeds and cleaning equipment. Flush the feeding tube with 5 to 10 mL of clean water (sterile water if child <4 mos of age) Rinse the feeding bag and tubing with warm soapy water.