g-jt and checking for residual in the jt port

[virginia deskins]

there is one nurse on my case who always checks for residual for the jt and the gt. I don't believe that this is correct. checking for residual on the gt I understand, but the jt it does not make sense to me. I do not do it. I check to make sure that it is positioned correctly on the abdomen, that there is no problem with the peptomen infusing and finally that the jt flushes with ease and no resistance. the gt is used only for medication administration and venting for gas. I do check for residual flow on the gt. am I correct in doing this? I had read that gi bleeding can occur with checking residual flow with the jt

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

What do the orders say? I have never checked residual from a J-tube... ever. The jejunum is not like the stomach.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

I'm with KelRN215 on this one. Because the JT empties into the small bowel there should BE no residuals. In fact, on my unit when we place NJ tubes blindly, one of the tests for proper placement is to assess the "snap" or vacuum within the duodenum/jejunum. We don't bolus feed the jejunum because it's not physiologically designed for large volumes and the transit time through there is accelerated. Bolusing the jejunum causes dumping syndrome, which is very uncomfortable and counterproductive. I think you're right in questioning the other nurse's practice.