Question about g-tube flush

[LStar]

Hey everyone I'm sort of a new grad been working as a RN for about 8 months now, dont really feel that comfortable asking the coworkers just anything, but I build up courage to 98% of the time. My question is at my job its a order that says give a 10ml of water flush per g-tube every shift. I was wondering does that mean only give 10ml for the whole shift or can you still give extra water with the meds and the flush is totally separate. I always been confuse about if the flush should be included with the water the meds is mixed in or should it be the flush and about 30ml of water for meds. I don't know if this make any sense of what I'm asking but thank you for ansewring.:)

[Rookie12]

I am also a new grad, but it is my understanding that this is a standard order, to make sure the gtube is patent, and is independent of the meds/flush that goes with meds. For example if the patient had all their meds scheduled during one shift, this order would ensure that the patient still gets a flush during the other shift/s. Also, I don't believe 10 mL is a max, unless the patient is on fluid restrictions, you should be able to use however much water you need for meds. And it is my understanding that a 10mL flush always follows anything administered via gtube (meds, tube feed, etc). Hope this helps!

[loriangel14, RN]

I wouldn't think that 10ml is a max. Where I work the standard G tube flush is 60 ml and that is given before and after every med pass so at least twice a shift.

[Chin up]

It is separate from the meds. Every med has it's own 30ml of h20. But follow your facilities policy. It takes a mature person to ask for help when needed. So please, ask! Peace!!

[Jenni811, RN]

It is seperate from the Medications. With medications you give about 30ml. The order is there for you to make sure the g-tube is patent. I understand it is kind of repetative if you do the 10 ml because you flushed with medications. But its just a liability thing to make sure you are checking for patency. Because what if the patient was not getting oral medications??