Advise about G-tubes

[debbiemig]

We have one lady who has a Gtube and will likely always have it. Our problem is, it leaks The adapter pops out of the feeding tube. We have tried taping it in place, but this doesn't work either. We tried a new adapter with no luck.I thought I remember a Dr many years ago tell someone that if there is too much gas, it will push the adapter out! The resident is on Zantac. If any of you have any suggestions, I'd love to give them a try! Oh, this doesn't happen all the time, but probably 3 out of 5 days.

[debbiemig]

We have one lady who has a Gtube and will likely always have it. Our problem is, it leaks The adapter pops out of the feeding tube. We have tried taping it in place, but this doesn't work either. We tried a new adapter with no luck.I thought I remember a Dr many years ago tell someone that if there is too much gas, it will push the adapter out! The resident is on Zantac. If any of you have any suggestions, I'd love to give them a try! Oh, this doesn't happen all the time, but probably 3 out of 5 days.

[kidluvinRN]

Try venting the tube for air; that or some tape but that can get messy!

[kidluvinRN]

Try venting the tube for air; that or some tape but that can get messy!

[ktwlpn, LPN]

ask the doc for something other then the zantac...and here is a little tip to help prevent a large mess.I take a zip-lock bag and push a few inches of the tubing (the area where the connection is) down into it and then zip it shut up to the tubing..I stick a washcloth in there too to sop up the mess .If it comes apart the feeding is caught in the bag.....Also if your resident is alert and confused and keeps manipulating the tubing you can write a "Do not touch this " message to them on a wide piece of cloth tape and slap it on the bag.(this sometimes works for IV sites too) assuming they can read,of course.....

[ktwlpn, LPN]

ask the doc for something other then the zantac...and here is a little tip to help prevent a large mess.I take a zip-lock bag and push a few inches of the tubing (the area where the connection is) down into it and then zip it shut up to the tubing..I stick a washcloth in there too to sop up the mess .If it comes apart the feeding is caught in the bag.....Also if your resident is alert and confused and keeps manipulating the tubing you can write a "Do not touch this " message to them on a wide piece of cloth tape and slap it on the bag.(this sometimes works for IV sites too) assuming they can read,of course.....

[leslie :-D]

i have found that my g-tube patients that are too 'gassy' respond beautifully to rectal tubes which takes care of the increased intragastric pressure as well. their stomachs are nice and soft after the rectal tube.

[leslie :-D]

i have found that my g-tube patients that are too 'gassy' respond beautifully to rectal tubes which takes care of the increased intragastric pressure as well. their stomachs are nice and soft after the rectal tube.

[PHTLS]

How are you taping the tube?

[PHTLS]

How are you taping the tube?

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

I used the washcloth idea as well, and really documented well for about a good week on each feeding and faxed it to her MD. She did get it fixed eventually, but it took some good facts sent to the MD to even get his attention (and I faxed the surgeon that placed it since it techically their work!).

I find those washcloths can be a bit rough from time to time, and so I used those really thick fluffy wipes (you know the dry ones...not the wet wipes) you find in hospitals (sorry don't know what they are called), or even a non scented feminine napkin (as long as you get the kinds without the plastic on one side..that can damage the skin).

Keep a good eye on it, use your creative nursing skills...and greatest of luck!

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

I used the washcloth idea as well, and really documented well for about a good week on each feeding and faxed it to her MD. She did get it fixed eventually, but it took some good facts sent to the MD to even get his attention (and I faxed the surgeon that placed it since it techically their work!).

I find those washcloths can be a bit rough from time to time, and so I used those really thick fluffy wipes (you know the dry ones...not the wet wipes) you find in hospitals (sorry don't know what they are called), or even a non scented feminine napkin (as long as you get the kinds without the plastic on one side..that can damage the skin).

Keep a good eye on it, use your creative nursing skills...and greatest of luck!