capsules and g-tubes

[LStar]

I just had a curious question, if a person is getting meds through a g-tube and a small piece from a capsule went through the g-tube could that possibly hurt the person? Might seem like a silly question but curious. Thanks for your time.:)

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

might get stuck and require a clog-clearing thing, is all.

how would a piece of capsule get in there, anyway?

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

If you swallowed the capsule, it wouldn't hurt you. Most capsules are made of gelatin and melt into nothingness.

[caliotter3]

A warm water flush should take care of any part of the capsule or, just make certain the contents have been flushed through and remove the extension and/or tube for cleaning out of any remnants. Once the contents have flushed through, it is not necessary that the gelatinous capsule be included.

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

I always take the capsule and break it apart in with the other meds I'm dissolving to use with med flush. I spoon out pieces of capsules that get in there. Curious also how a piece gets in there.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Some capsules crack when you try to open them...the size of that piece would be very small if that is the case.

Think about where that capusule goes when the patient swallows it. Then only thing it might do is clog the tube. As mentioned, warm water flushes will disolve it.

Best option...get the med in a liquid form. This might not always be a choice in LTC tho.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

And please check to be sure the medication is suitable in that form for g-tubes. Some capsules are created to be able to mix chemicals that alter the digestion process of the chemical and are not appropriate for g-tubes.

[poopprincess]

I am also curious as to how the capsule got in there. I take all my crushed meds, soak in med cup with med cup in warm water and draw up in syringe to give. ??? It shouldn't cause harm, it goes to the same place as if the pt. swallowed it. It may clog the tube though.