need answer asap regarding peg tube

I'm not sure if this is something you can do, since I'm just a student.... but during my LTC clinicals I had an RN inject air into someone's peg tube and had me listen to the bowel sounds to make sure it was in place. And, on a different pt it kept getting clogged so she put a little coke in there and waited 5 minutes, then it worked fine.

I don't mean to sound flip or unkind, but this is not the kind of question that should be decided by posting on an anonymous bulletin board.

It sounds as if you have some real patient care concerns that need to be addressed by your institution's policy and procedure, your patient's care provider, or thru your chain of command for clinical issues.

Well meaning, but mistaken information could be shared here to the detriment of your patient and your license.

Please go thru your established chain of command for assistance.

I agree with you Jolie, which is why I responded that I was a student nurse. That questioned kinda scared me with the 'asap' aspect. But, that is what I witnessed during clinicals, and I'm not sure if it was right or wrong, or what that facility's protocol was.

i thought a peg tube had to be changed by a doctor, or is it by policy of the institution/regulations of the state? i know if a peg tube comes out, inserting a foley cath will keep the stoma open.

At my LTC facility, we can change out gastrostomy tubes routinely and as needed as long as they are not sutured in place. You can easily verify placement after the tube is inserted. Jejunal tubes, on the other hand, are a different story. Since there is no way of verifying placement except through an X-ray, only a qualified GI specialist can place these.

Clogged tubes? A carbonated beverage or even Viokase (if it is ordered) can help.

I am with Jolie on this, you should go through your facilities protocol.