checking residuals for tube feeds

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Can someone please explain to me the correct way to check residuals for tube feeding and how residual means that the patient is tolerating the TF?

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What amount means they are tolerating?

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Specializes in ICU, ED.

Get a 60 cc syringe, aspirate the gastric contents, and then reinstill any aspirate obtained 60 mls. Residuals >250 mls, especially after a second residual check, usually indicate delayed gastric emptying. High gastric residuals are >500 mls. If a pt consistently has GRVs >250, they'll prob put them on some prokinetic agents to help things move along. I'd say a GRV

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So helpful I'm grateful thanks!

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.
Get a 60 cc syringe, aspirate the gastric contents, and then reinstill any aspirate obtained 60 mls. Residuals >250 mls, especially after a second residual check, usually indicate delayed gastric emptying. High gastric residuals are >500 mls. If a pt consistently has GRVs >250, they'll prob put them on some prokinetic agents to help things move along. I'd say a GRV

Follow YOUR facility protocol,mine is not the same as this one.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
Can someone please explain to me the correct way to check residuals for tube feeding and how residual means that the patient is tolerating the TF?

The basic method is to turn the stopcock to close off the tube feed. Aspirate gastric contents. Depending on policy/order reinstall residual. Flush according to policy.

Tube feeds will be held at a residual amount set by the facility. In my facility, consistent residuals of 80-100cc would be concerning.

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