Important Care Instructions for Tube Feeding at Home

IMPORTANT CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR TUBE FEEDING AT HOME WHAT YOU SHOULD DO TO HELP PREVENT INFECTION 1. Proper site cleaning Wash your hands. Why it’s important Gather the materials you need to clean the tube site: soap, to practice good care cotton-tipped swabs, washcloth, towel, and warm water. and maintenance of your feeding tube: Wash and clean skin around the skin disk or external hub • Improper care may with a washcloth, soap, and water. lead to infection. • Infections can cause Clean under the skin disk or external hub with a cotton-tipped interruptions in swab, soap, and water. feeding and may keep you from getting the Rinse the skin around the tube with warm water and dry nutrition you need. completely with a towel. If your doctor or nurse instructed you to use a dressing, apply it as directed. It is important to change your dressing every day. If it becomes wet or soiled, it should be changed immediately. 2. Ensure proper tube placement For G-Tubes For J-Tubes If your G-Tube is kept in Often, your J-tube will be place with a skin disk, make secured with sutures to sure the disk is not tight your skin. against the skin. Check Do not attempt to turn the the tube position using the J-tube or move it in or out. markings on the tube. Inspect G-tube and J-tube for correct positioning, and check that there is no redness or drainage at the insertion site.