Meds. via Dobhoff feeding tubes

pricklypear · Nov 9, 2004

I'm not sure if we have a policy re: meds down a DH, but we do it all the time. I usually allow the crushed meds to soak for some time before giving them, and this seems to help. I think sometimes people either don't let them soak long enough, or don't crush them finely enough. You can also flush with some coke to help it break up.

Burnt Out, ASN, RN · Nov 9, 2004

If they have a dobbhoff and that is how they are getting intake, then yes, we will give meds through it. If we can not get liquid meds, we crush meds that can be crushed and dissolve them very well in warm water. We also flush before and after each med-that is our policy with giving any meds through a feeding tube-whether a dobbhoff or g-tube.

Nurseboy1 · Nov 9, 2004

At my facility we NEVER give meds down a dubhoff tube. The lumen of the tube is narrow and there is a higher risk of clogs in the tube. We often give meds IV or PR until a PEG or a G/J tube can be placed.

Tracy38000 · Jan 27, 2009

i have given meds, well crushed and soaked in soda, down a dobhoff tube. flush well before and after. my questions is...does anyone get any residual back on these tubes? i have checked and do not get any all the while my patient sounded horrible with rhonchi. just wondering....

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Feb 1, 2009

I had this discussion with another nurse, fortunately she and I attended the same nursing school so we had common ground. Dobhoff had as weight at the end of it ( it use to be mercury but I am sure that has changed) pulling back for an aspirate can break that weight. So my long winded answer is no.

mskate · Feb 4, 2009

we give them that way all the time - crush them up well, let them dissolve (i crush then put it in a urine sample cup to shake it up) and push it right in.

I have only very rarely had a problem with clogs!

Keysnurse2008 · Feb 24, 2009

dht's are for short term use anyway. i give meds all the time through them. if they clog....and btw they wont usually if you crush your meds finely and flush them adequately...but if they did....just replace it and shoot another xray to verify placement. but...to answer your question....meds are fine throgh them.

Keysnurse2008 · Feb 24, 2009

i have given meds, well crushed and soaked in soda, down a dobhoff tube. flush well before and after. my questions is...does anyone get any residual back on these tubes? i have checked and do not get any all the while my patient sounded horrible with rhonchi. just wondering....

dhts usually float past the stomach...so typically you should not get residual.....

reisling · Feb 24, 2009

Fellow nurse caused a pneumothorax putting in a dobbhoff. Make sure you get that x ray. Also does anyone if you can put the tubes down without the wire.

Craychek · Mar 2, 2009

i have never had a problem with a dobhoff clotting off when giving crushed meds and I have been able to get residuals back on dobhoffs, but yah a general rule since dobhoffs are supposed to bypass the stomach if they are placed appropriately you should NOT get residuals.

med/oncRN · Mar 2, 2009

Our facility does not allow crushed meds down a dobhoff. They clog very easily and to say "so what, just sink another" is to have the patient incur needless charges for another tube, and x-ray, not to mention the discomfort of putting it down. I doubt that a dobhoff can be placed without a guide-wire, they a very soft and flexible and will just curl in the back of the throat. A guide-wire should NEVER be replaced, that is against protocol at every place I have worked--get a new tube. Also I was always taught never to pull back for residuals on a dobhoff as it may ruin the tube and if placed correctly, you shouldn't get residual.