PEG tube question

Published

Hi all. I had a patient that is NPO, diabetiscource AC diet and NPO

The nurse told us that patients with PEG tubes should not be lying down and he didn't explain since he needed to help another nurse close by

I came in later to my patients room and his bed was about 15 degrees!!! I elevated the HOB immediately and told the nurse. Idk how long he was like that for!

Why is it important that he is not supine? What happens? He's an elderly man, so so sweet. He has impaired swallowing and speaking because of head trauma.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in UR/PA, Hematology/Oncology, Med Surg, Psych.

The HOB needs to be elevated in a tube-feeding patient to prevent aspiration into the lungs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
The HOB needs to be elevated in a tube-feeding patient to prevent aspiration into the lungs.

I thought it's only with NG tubes? Huh .. We haven't gone over PEG tubes. Just NG. I'm first semester :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Behavioral Health.

Nope, PEGs increase the risk of aspiration, too. See the first paragraph and second to last paragraph here: Medscape: Medscape Access

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Nope, PEGs increase the risk of aspiration, too. See the first paragraph and second to last paragraph here: Medscape: Medscape Access

Thank you :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion