Clogged feeding tubes

[Phillygryl]

Does anyone have any tips on how to clear clogged feeding tubes? Almost everytime I come on the floor the feeding tubes are clogged!! Any easy to unclog them?

[Turtle in scrubs]

At my hospital we use evidence based practice which recommends flushing with 30cc of warm water first and then using 1 pancreatic enzyme and 325mg sodium bicarbonate tablet mixed with 50cc warm water until dissolved and inject into tube and clamp and then flush through with warm water. I also palpate the tube to see if I can feel the obstruction and loosen it. Acidic beverages such as cola or cranberry juice is considered controversial in that such beverages may denature proteins within the feeding formula, therefore contributing to clogging

Yep... good advice. We do the same and it works pretty well :)

[Psychtrish39, BSN, RN]

50cc of warm water first then Coke... I would love to try the bicarb I will ask doc on call about that next time it happens with a patient but I have found most of the time it is from not flushing rountinely as ordered and not crushing the meds into almost dust... I have unclogged quite a few but have taken a bath in tube feeding solution not fun.

I find tubes to be clogged more on first med pass on day shift as maybe didnt get flushed at midnight . I also of course check for positioning of the tube as well. Sometimes they are kinked a bit. I worked at a sub acute vent unit and there were always just some patient's tubes that got clogged routinely . Poor folks....

[mree]

Pineapple juice!!! Works like a charm :)

[MunoRN, RN]

Acidic liquids such as Cola used to be common although they aren't the recommended method today as it can make the problem worse: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/585397_10

[MomRN0913]

Milking the tube really good or water as hot as you can get it without doing damage to the patient. Works like a charm.

[rainbowsandsunshine]

wow, these are great tips.... thanks for the replies everybody!