JTube Clog/Splash

[Jess_Kins]

Hello everyone, first let me start by saying, I think I am just being paranoid and I definitely will wear my glasses for g/j tube care in the future. I was administering medication through JTube, when I went to flush prior to, with saline it was clogged, and sprayed onto bed. I had a mask and gown on but no glasses. I didn't feel anything hit my face or eyes but is there a small chance that some fluid could have? Should I be worried about catching any viruses like HIV or HepC?

Thank you!

[Kitiger, RN]

It's unlikely you will catch anything. Still, you should report it.

[No Stars In My Eyes]

Here's a helpful hint I learned the hard way: don't do a J-tube-feeding, then add some Cough Syrup on top of it, because the mix makes it not want to go through. The formula got semi-solid and it was a bee-yotch to clear. Soda did not help AT ALL!  I was at a PDN case w. an 88 y.o. woman when this happened... I was flummoxed about how to clear it. It wouldn't be pushed nor would it be pulled. Ended up (shhh, don't tell anyone to do this!) I used a 14" shishkebab stick, and EVENTUALLY I got the tube cleared. GADS! I learned to give the med, clear the tube with water, THEN do the tube feeding and flush that with water. All done separately; don't think you can use any "short-cuts" or combos. Hard-won wisdom!

[Kitiger, RN]

7 minutes ago, No Stars In My Eyes said:

Here's a helpful hint I learned the hard way: don't do a J-tube-feeding, then add some Cough Syrup on top of it, because the mix makes it not want to go through. The formula got semi-solid and it was a bee-yotch to clear. Soda did not help AT ALL!  I was at a PDN case w. an 88 y.o. woman when this happened... I was flummoxed about how to clear it. It wouldn't be pushed nor would it be pulled. Ended up (shhh, don't tell anyone to do this!) I used a 14" shishkebab stick, and EVENTUALLY I got the tube cleared. GADS! I learned to give the med, clear the tube with water, THEN do the tube feeding and flush that with water. All done separately; don't think you can use any "short-cuts" or combos. Hard-won wisdom!

Washing down GT or JT meds with formula is another way to clog up the tube. Use water.

[No Stars In My Eyes]

Yup. But the worst was the formula and cough syrup, I promise! Live and learn!

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Check for residual.  Water flush 50cc, meds liquid or crushed as needed  and diluted with 30cc water -give 15cc then flush, finish remainder meds then at least 50cc flush afterwards + additional H20 requirement, restart feeding.   Prevents 95% clogs .

Live and Learn!

[No Stars In My Eyes]

Thanks! Good to know. But it's a moot point for me now, as I am retired by about 5-6 years now. I hope not to have to do any more tube feeding or give meds that way. My problem then was I trying to rush. Instead I made it much harder on myself. The patient wasn't upset at all, she was just interested in how I could solve the problem so she didn't have to have the tube changed.