G-tube questions

[noname44]

Hi nurses,

I need advice; I was performing a g-tube feed for a pediatric patient with a motor disability, but I forgot to prime the g-tube during his first feeding. He tolerated the first feeding well, but during the second feeding, he threw up. He was a bit distressed but afterward, he used his communication board to say he felt fine. He was monitored for 2 hours after and he was okay. I'm feeling very incompetent and paranoid that this may lead to a more serious issue. Is air in the stomach a serious issue for a kid with a motor disability? Thanks.

[Soloist, LPN]

When I was first trained with a Mic-Key, the policy stated to vent, and then prime otherwise it would trap air causing pain. This particular patient had their esophagus surgically closed, so perhaps that contributed to the order the way it was... Either way, the nurses seem terribly lazy and only one or two of the 5 prime first. 

Suffice to say I doubt one time is an issue but remember your mistake for the patient's sake and always prime. (that being said, I've only worked at one place for 2 years, lots of G-tubes though)

 

[noname44]

4 hours ago, Soloist said:

When I was first trained with a Mic-Key, the policy stated to vent, and then prime otherwise it would trap air causing pain. This particular patient had their esophagus surgically closed, so perhaps that contributed to the order the way it was... Either way, the nurses seem terribly lazy and only one or two of the 5 prime first. 

Suffice to say I doubt one time is an issue but remember your mistake for the patient's sake and always prime. (that being said, I've only worked at one place for 2 years, lots of G-tubes though)

 

Forgot to add that I did indeed remember to prime the second feeding, but definitely a learning lesson and will never forget to prime! 

Thanks for the reply!

[Katy1]

Hello,

you can always open the tube and roll the abdomen to try to dispel air you feel is trapped in a patients abdomen if it becomes distended.  When you check residual, sometimes the air will come out before you get to the residual.

The most important intervention in any scenario where the patient vomits is aspiration. Usually the feedings will be held for a period of time and/or pedialyte will be hung to replenish. If aspiration occurred, symptoms may not show immediately.

I have worked with many developmentally disabled individuals with many medical conditions and G tubes

You are doing great because you are critically thinking and asking questions!