G tube wont flush but dont think its clogged?

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Ok. So i hve a pt, gtube has been fine. Took pt to eat with family and as soon as shes back home. The g tube wont flush. Lots of resistance both ways. Pt is only taking water and formula so i dont think either of those would have clogged it.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

Maybe the family gave the patient some potato chips.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Order and xray to check placement.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

It can be clogged even if he's only taking liquid feeds.That's why they have to be flushed regularly.We use Coke to unclog them.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

Yep, g-tubes can still become clogged with just formula, like Loriangel stated. Or there could be a kink in the distal end of the tube. I think your pt just bought a trip to Xray!

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Happened several times in a matter of days with our patient. Called the doc who said to use coke. The coke worked. I would advise trying coke. If that doesn't work, then call the doc who will probably order the xray for placement.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Neuro, Respiratory.

Like other posters said we always have to get an X-ray on patients with clogged PEGs. One patient is notorious for having a clogged tube and has had several tube placements, just to my knowledge, in the past year.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I think you need to notify the MD. We cannot give medical advice here on AN. What is the age of this patient....you mentioned the patient takes formula and water. Do not flush the tube with anything without consulting with the MD especially on a peds patient. We Have no knowledge of this child's/patients medical history therefore it is impossible to give advice.

I hope all goes well.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

My patient has never had a clog but we have specific orders in the event of a clog x mL warm water, a commercial g/j tube log kit, Coca Cola, and when to call the doc or IR, all detailed in his plan of care this pt's g tube is for meds& flushes and j is for formula and water/flushes. Even with continuous feeds regular flushes are necessary. Clogs can happen even with continuous formula feeds.

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

how old is the peg? It could easily be clogged by formula if it is not flushed regularly. Also I am assuming this kid gets meds via gt as well- a lot of meds are VERY cloggy. Agree that you should not give anything like coke unless it is ok'd by MD. Do you have a spare you can put in?

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