What kind of feeding system do you use?

Specialties NICU

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We right now just use an ng with med tubing, but we are going to be looking at some complete sets that can't be confused with med tubing. Just curious if anyone uses any of the manufactured sets and how you like them. :idea:

Specializes in Level 3 NICU 17 yrs, Neo transport 13 yr.

We use the same tubing most have posted about, the orange tip and end for luer lock syringe.

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Specializes in NICU III/Transport.

I see this topic is a bit older... but, we also use the "orange striped" (Silastic?) tubing with orange adapters for our feeds. It has be an excellent advancement in our OG/NG feeding safety.

I was at one of the hospitals probably mentioned by JCAHO... during Hurricane Katrina, a patient was transferred to our LIII because in our LII they were given a BM feed through their central line. I really feel for the nurse that did this because all of us were exhausted and mistakes like this could happen. It also happened at a sister hospital in the same time frame.

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Specializes in PICU.

Eek, OT but I had to ask, what happened to the baby?

A looong time ago in our stepdown unit a patient was receiving some form of hydrochloric acid because his g-tube kept plugging off. A nurse wasn't careful and gave it through his CVL! Thankfully he ended up being ok.

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Specializes in NICU.

We just started using the purple set last week. It's already a problem because the purple adapters on the ends of the syringes (which can't be removed) make it really hard to draw up formula/EBM/meds. I heard quite a lot of cursing coming out of the pharmacy that first day. They also don't fit our GTs, even though the rep swore they would.

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Specializes in NICU III/Transport.
Eek, OT but I had to ask, what happened to the baby?

A looong time ago in our stepdown unit a patient was receiving some form of hydrochloric acid because his g-tube kept plugging off. A nurse wasn't careful and gave it through his CVL! Thankfully he ended up being ok.

I actually admitted that baby and other than a huge scare, a lot of antibiotics and continuous neuro/cardiopulmonary monitoring (now high risk for embolus)... the baby suffered no ill effects.

I know this first hand... however, I wasn't directly involved with the situation at the other hospital. I only know what I heard from others and they said that the patient expired.

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Specializes in NICU.

It happened on my unit and, seriously, nothing happened. The baby was fine. The nurse involved had to I think write a paper on the topic, but I don't think she was suspended or anything. We did just switch to the purple feeding system, as I said, but that was due to our JCAHO survey this summer more than anything else.

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Specializes in PICU.

Scary stuff. I'm so glad the baby was ok. :nuke:

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Specializes in Neonatal nursing (paediatric trained).

We have a purple system now, called Penta. The syringes are luer-lock but are different from the BD/Plastipak luer-locks that we use for infusions. Our old NGTs didn't work with them, and we had some adapters for that, but I think all the NGTs being used now are the new ones that are meant to work with the Penta syringes. I don't like drawing up oral meds in them, though - they're not easy to get bubbles out at all.

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Specializes in NICU.

we also have started using the tubing with the orange stripe, regular syringes. And EVERYthing must have a label on it...gets to be a hassle, but a good idea.

Also.....when you (anybody) have OGT feeds via gravity, do you "hang" the syringe inside the isolette or actually spend that time with your patient and hold the syringe?

In my old unit we were not allowed to hang the syringes. The unit I am in now, essentially everyone hangs the feeding and leaves the bedside. Drives me crazy:no:

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

I'm not sure what kind of acuity your unit runs at, but in mine, I rarely have the time to sit there and watch it go in. It's a nice idea, but I don't think I've ever seen someone stay with the baby while the feed is going.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

We don't stick around either unless it is a small amount.

We have to label everything...syringe, tubing, the whole kitandkabboodle.

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Specializes in NICU.

I try really hard to spend time with my babies.....that's why I am there...for the babies....not chit-chatting. Our unit really is quite busy.....~45 beds level III

I do socialize during my shift, it just isn't a priority (as some nurses do).

Just venting some frustrations..........................sorry

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