A g tube is a usually needed for people who for one reason or another require enteral feeding. The tube is inserted through a small incision created on the abdominal wall. There are several types that are available with the commonest being the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube or simply PEG tube. If you are nursing a patient who requires g tube feeding, there are a number of things that you should know.
The commonest reason for the use of this device in patients is inability to swallow. This may be as a result of obstructing tumors, neuromuscular disorders or illnesses that result in a reduction in the level of consciousness. Such persons need enteral feeding to reduce their risk of suffering from aspiration pneumonia. The treatment is also recommended for persons that are at a risk of suffering from malnutrition due to reduce oral intake.
Placing the tube is done as a day case. There is very little in terms of preparation that is required. The endoscope is guided into the abdominal cavity using its powerful light source as an indicator of position. Once in position, a suture is fixed to what will be the external end of the tube. This suture is used to fix the tube onto the abdominal wall. To keep the device in position, a balloon located near the end is inflated.
Feeding tubes are used in all age groups. In children, it is frequently used to help supplement diet among children assessed to be at risk of malnutrition due to inadequate oral intake. This may be done temporarily until the children are able to feed adequately on their own. There has been huge success associated with the use of these feeding devices in children.
You need to look out for several complications that may be seen when these devices are used. One of those that are frequently encountered is the leakage of stomach contents which contain hydrochloric acid. The acid has the potential to irritate the peritoneum and cause a serious condition known as peritonitis. Peritonitis is a potentially fatal condition and requires prompt surgical intervention.
Instructions on how to use these feeding devices will be given by your doctor or nurse. When in doubt, consult a manual that comes with the device. You will need a 60 cc syringe to deliver the food, a measuring cup, a clean food container and of course the liquid food that has been prescribed by your doctor. Ensure that you flush the tube with clean water after feeding. This helps to minimize the instances of clogging.
The design of most tubes is simple such that caretakers can easily change them at home. Changing is required when the devices are used for a long period of time and are subjected to wear and tear. In some cases, the lumen of the devices may get clogged and require replacement. Leakage of food contents around the skin causes irritation. This can be reduced by using a barrier cream.
Gastric feeding tubes are an effective way of ensuring persons that have a problem feeding get the required nutrition. Some are used as a temporary solution while others are placed indefinitely. Although most are very easy to fit and replace, there are a number of complications that may be encountered. Make a point of talking to your doctor if you suspect that the device has a problem.
The commonest reason for the use of this device in patients is inability to swallow. This may be as a result of obstructing tumors, neuromuscular disorders or illnesses that result in a reduction in the level of consciousness. Such persons need enteral feeding to reduce their risk of suffering from aspiration pneumonia. The treatment is also recommended for persons that are at a risk of suffering from malnutrition due to reduce oral intake.
Placing the tube is done as a day case. There is very little in terms of preparation that is required. The endoscope is guided into the abdominal cavity using its powerful light source as an indicator of position. Once in position, a suture is fixed to what will be the external end of the tube. This suture is used to fix the tube onto the abdominal wall. To keep the device in position, a balloon located near the end is inflated.
Feeding tubes are used in all age groups. In children, it is frequently used to help supplement diet among children assessed to be at risk of malnutrition due to inadequate oral intake. This may be done temporarily until the children are able to feed adequately on their own. There has been huge success associated with the use of these feeding devices in children.
You need to look out for several complications that may be seen when these devices are used. One of those that are frequently encountered is the leakage of stomach contents which contain hydrochloric acid. The acid has the potential to irritate the peritoneum and cause a serious condition known as peritonitis. Peritonitis is a potentially fatal condition and requires prompt surgical intervention.
Instructions on how to use these feeding devices will be given by your doctor or nurse. When in doubt, consult a manual that comes with the device. You will need a 60 cc syringe to deliver the food, a measuring cup, a clean food container and of course the liquid food that has been prescribed by your doctor. Ensure that you flush the tube with clean water after feeding. This helps to minimize the instances of clogging.
The design of most tubes is simple such that caretakers can easily change them at home. Changing is required when the devices are used for a long period of time and are subjected to wear and tear. In some cases, the lumen of the devices may get clogged and require replacement. Leakage of food contents around the skin causes irritation. This can be reduced by using a barrier cream.
Gastric feeding tubes are an effective way of ensuring persons that have a problem feeding get the required nutrition. Some are used as a temporary solution while others are placed indefinitely. Although most are very easy to fit and replace, there are a number of complications that may be encountered. Make a point of talking to your doctor if you suspect that the device has a problem.
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