Venting Gastrostomy Tube

<< DIGESTIVE

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:

  • Gastrostomy tube replacement kit:
    • Replacement gastrostomy tube/button
    • 6-mL luer slip syringe
    • Medical tape
    • Water-based lubricant
  • 60-mL ENFit/enteral syringe
  • Extension tube
  • Tape
  • Gloves
  • Gauze/paper towel/tissue
  • Student’s Individualized Health Care Plan (IHCP) and healthcare provider’s order
  • Parent/guardian authorization form
Procedure Download
Skill Competency Download

Procedure:

  1. Review the student’s IHCP and health care provider’s order
  2. Ensure proper documentation of parent/guardian authorization to perform this procedure
  3. Explain the procedure to the student at a level he/she will understand
  4. Position child either sitting or supine with head up at least 30 degrees
  5. Wash hands
  6. Gather supplies and place on clean surface
  7. Put on gloves
  8. Place a towel under student’s abdomen near their G-tube site to absorb excessive drainage
  9. Remove cap or plug from G-tube
  10. Attach extension tubing if the student has a skin level device G-tube
  11. Remove plunger from 60-mL ENFit/enteral syringe
  12. Connect a 60-mL ENFit/enteral syringe to the extension tubing or G-tube
  13. Open clamp on extension tubing (if used)
  14. Raise the extension tubing approximately 6 inches above the stomach so gas and stomach contents can pass freely up and down the tube
  15. Vent until gassiness is relieved and allow any gastric contents to instill via gravity
  16. Flush extension tubing with 5 ml of water or as recommended according to healthcare provider’s order
  17. Disconnect ENFit/enteral syringe
  18. Clamp and remove extension tubing (if used)
  19. Replace plug or cap into G-tube
  20. Clean syringe and extension tubing with warm water and mild soap
  21. Place on clean surface to air dry
  22. Remove gloves
  23. Wash hands
  24. Document assessment, interventions, and outcomes in student’s healthcare record
  25. Follow up with parents/guardian and healthcare provider, as needed

References:

Applied Medical Technology, Inc. (2022). MiniOne education guide. Retrieved June 22, 2023, from https://www.appliedmedical.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/MiniONE_EDU_English_C-3974-M.pdf

Avanos Medical, Inc. (2019). Mic-Key* G feeding tube. Extension sets with ENFit connectors. Your guide to proper care. Retrieved June 6, 2023, from https://tubefed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AVANOS-MIC-KEY-G-Guide-to-Proper-Care.pdf

Children’s Hospital St. Louis. (2015, May). Gastrostomy tubes home care manual (corpak, foley catheter, genie, malecot, mic-G). Retrieved June 22, from https://www.stlouischildrens.org/sites/legacy/files/Gastrostomy%20Tubes%20Home%20Care%20Manual.pdf

Children’s Wisconsin. (2021, April 23). Venting a g-tube. . Retrieved June 22, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbvE4iC3DfE

Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation. (2014, July 14). Venting a g tube. . Retrieved June 22, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzMZu3wc5jA

Page last reviewed: February 19, 2025
Page last updated: February 19, 2025

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.