Jejunostomy Tube Continuous Feeding

<< DIGESTIVE

  • A pump must be used for Jejunostomy tube feedings
  • You CANNOT bolus feed into a jejunostomy tube

Considerations:

  • Be sure to take steps to ensure patient privacy when performing procedure
  • The unlikely risk with jejunostomy tube feedings is aspiration of formula into the lungs, be sure the student is positioned properly with head elevated at least 30 degrees
  • Encourage the student to assist in the procedure as much as he/she is able to help student learn self-care skills

Supplies:

  • Adaptor with tubing and clamp
  • Feeding solution in container (bag) at room temperature
  • 60 ml catheter-tipped syringe
  • Pump
  • Warm tap water, if prescribed
  • Pole to hold feeding container
  • Student’s Individualized Health Plan (IHP) and/or healthcare provider’s orders

procedure download skill competency

  1. Review healthcare provider’s order including:
    • the type of formula
    • amount
    • infusion type and rate
    • frequency of administration
    • residual volume checks
    • amount of water used to flush the tube
  2. Explain the procedure to child at his/her level of understanding
  3. Wash hands
  4. Assemble equipment and place on a clean surface
  5. Position child either sitting or supine with head up at least 30 degrees
  6. Ensure that the clamp is not resting on the student’s skin
  7. Put on gloves
  8. Observe abdomen for signs of tube malposition or obstruction/clogging of jejunostomy tube such as difference in external tube length compared to baseline measurements or abdominal distention
    • If student has abdominal distention do not administer feeding and contact parent/guardian and healthcare provider
  9. Pour feeding/fluids into feeding container, run feeding through tubing to the tip and clamp tubing
  10. Hang container on pole at height required to deliver prescribed flow
    • If pump is used, place tubing into pump and set flow rate
  11. Open safety plug and insert tubing into the J-tube
  12. Open clamp on tubing
    • Turn on pump to prescribed rate
  13. When prescribed volume of feeding is completed, clamp feeding bag tubing and remove
  14. Attach catheter-tipped syringe and flush tubing with 5ml of water or prescribed amount
  15. Disconnect syringe
  16. Connect cap or plug to J-tube
  17. Keep the child in a feeding position for at least 30 minutes after completing feeding, if required
  18. Wash syringe and tubing with soap and warm water and put in home container
    • Catheter tip syringe and feeding extension tubing can be used repeated times for up to 24 hours
  19. Remove gloves
  20. Wash hands
  21. Document assessment, interventions, and outcomes in student’s healthcare record
  22. Follow up with parents/guardian and healthcare provider, as needed

Resources:

MIC Transgastric-Jejunal Feeding Tubes http://www.halyardhealth.com/media/128697/u5918_brochure.pdf

MIC Enteral Feeding Tubes and Accessories
http://www.kchealthcare.com/media/2886710/u4850_mic_enteral_tubes.pdf

Bankhead, R., Boullata, J., Brantley, S., Corkins, M., Guenter, P., Krenitsky, J., Lyman, B., Metheny, N.A., Mueller, C., Robbins, S., Wessel, J.  (2009).  Monitoring enteral nutrition administration. In: A.S.P.E.N. enteral nutrition practice recommendations.   Journal of Parenteral and  Enteral Nutrition, 33(2), 162-6.

References:

Bowden, V. R., & Greenberg, C. S. (2012). Pediatric nursing procedures (Third Edition). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Connecticut State Department of Education. (2012). Clinical Procedure Guidelines for Connecticut School Nurses. Available at:
http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/pdf/publications/clinical_guidelines/clinical_guidelines.pdf

Porter, S., Haynie M.D., Bierle, T., Caldwell, T. & Palfrey, J.  (1997).  Children and Youth Assisted by Medical Technology in Educational Settings.  Guidelines for Care.  Second Edition.  Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., P.O. Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624

Simons, S., Remington , R.  (2013).  The Percutaneous Endoscopic  Gastrostomy Tube: A Nurse’s Guide to PEG Tubes.  MedSurg Nursing; 22(2):77-83.

University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics.  (2012).  Caring for Your J-tube.  Available at: http://www.uwhealth.org/healthfacts/B_EXTRANET_HEALTH_INFORMATION-FlexMember-Show_Public_HFFY_1104449363413.html

Acknowledgment of Reviewers:

Lori A. Duesing, MSN, RN, CPNP-AC
Advanced Practice Nurse
Department of Gastroenterology
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Kathy Leack, MS, RN, CNS
Advanced Practice Nurse
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Page last updated: April 6, 2015