Tube Site Infections Causes Prevention and Treatment Yeast or bacteria normally found on the • Wash hands before preparing and skin may cause infection administering tube feeding and before performing tube site care. Displacement of the tube • Make sure the external tube disc or bar is positioned properly as instructed by your health care provider. • Keep skin around the tube dry. Clean site with soap and water or non-toxic skin cleanser. • Verify tube placement using method recommended by your health care provider. If tube is out of place, notify health care provider to receive additional instructions. • Stop tube feedings and call your health care provider as soon as possible if you suspect a wound infection. You may need topical antibiotic ointment and/or antibiotics. Contact your health care provider to determine if treatment should be given. Look for: n Redness n Tenderness n Swelling and firmness at the site n Pus-filled drainage n Possible fever n Foul odor An infected stoma site Guide to Adult Tube Feeding | 19