Considerations:
- Venting can be helpful to try if student complains of cramping or gassiness during or after feedings
- Encourage the student to assist in the procedure as much as he/she is able to help student learn self-care skills
Supplies:
- 60 ml syringe
- Extension tube
- Tape
- Gloves
- Gauze/paper towel/tissue
Procedure:
- Explain the procedure to the student at a level he/she will understand
- Position child either sitting or supine with head up at least 30 degrees
- Wash hands
- Gather supplies and place on clean surface
- Put on gloves
- Remove cap or plug from G-tube
- Attach extension tubing if the student has a skin level device G-tube
- Consider placing a towel on the student’s abdomen near their G-tube in order to absorb excess spillage
- Remove plunger from 60 ml syringe
- Connect a 60 ml syringe to the extension tubing or G-tube
- Vent until gassiness is relieved and allow any gastric contents to instill via gravity
- Flush extension tubing with 5 ml of water or as recommended according to student’s healthcare plan
- Disconnect syringe
- Clamp and remove extension tubing (if used)
- Replace plug or cap into G-tube
- Remove gloves
- Clean syringe and extension tubing with warm water and mild soap
- Place on clean surface to air dry
- Wash hands
- Document assessment, interventions, and outcomes in student’s healthcare record
- Follow up with parents/guardian and healthcare provider, as needed
References:
Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. (2011). A Guide for Parents G-J tube Care at Home. Available at: https://www.childrensmn.org/references/PFS/homecare/gastrostomy-care-g-j-tube.pdf
Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. (2011). A Guide for Parents G tube Care at Home. Available at: https://www.childrensmn.org/references/PFS/homecare/gastrostomy-care-g-tube.pdf
Exit Care. (2012). Mosby’s Nursing Consult. Gastrostomy Tube, Child.
Acknowledgment of Update Reviewer:
Marcy Weidkamp, APNP
Pediatric Gastroenterology
American Family Children’s Hospital
Acknowledgment of Initial 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 reviewed: September 17, 2021
Page last updated: September 17, 2021
The information and materials presented in this Website are intended for informational purposes only and are not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or assist in diagnosis or treatment of the same. The information is not intended to substitute for, supplement or replace clinical judgment. If there are any concerns or questions about or relating to a nursing or medical procedure, contact the individual’s healthcare provider. The information provided on this Website is not intended to be a substitute for medical orders and persons without the proper education, training, supervision and/or licensure should not perform the procedures.