Component Task: Gastrostomy Feeding of a Child

This is a long-term access procedure in which a tube is placed through the abdominal wall into the stomach of a child so that feeds can be directly delivered into the stomach without passing through the mouth. This procedure can be performed for infants and children with swallowing and feeding difficulties e.g. oesophageal atresia, caustic soda ingestion etc.

Aims

·         Provide nutritional support

·         Administer medications

Requirements

·         Foley catheter (sizes 8-24)

·         Syringe and needle (20ml-50ml)

·         A glass of water

·         Prescribed feed

·         Feeding cup

·         Sterile gauze

·         Examination gloves

·         Prescribed medication

·         Perfusor

·         Mackintosh with towel/bed mat

·         Feed chart

Steps

1.        Establish rapport (Refer to steps)

2.      Explain procedure to child/caregiver(Refer to steps)

3.      Provide privacy

4.      Confirm physician/doctor’s order

5.      Perform five moments of hand hygiene

6.      Arrange necessary items for feeding

7.       Prepare warm feed as prescribed

8.      Place child in a semi-Fowler’s position in bed

9.      Fold top linens down to expose gastrostomy tube

10.    Wear an examination gloves

11.      Place mackintosh with towel/bed mat around the stoma to expose the opening

12.    Unclamp the gastrostomy tube and attach a syringe

13.    Remove plunger if using 50cc catheter syringe tips

14.    Check patency of the tube by pouring a small amount of water into the syringe

15.    Stop flushing and inform physician/doctor in charge if water does not flow freely

16.    Pour feed into the syringe

17.    Tilt the syringe to allow bubbles to escape

18.    Add more feed to the syringe when about one quarter of it remain

19.    Increase/decrease the flow rate by raising or lowering the syringe

20.  Feed between 10-20minutes depending on the type and consistency of the feed

21.    Flush feeding tube with 10-20mls of water

22.  Clamp tube to prevent leakage of feed

23.  Instruct child to remain in a sitting position for 30minutes and semi-Fowler’s position in an infant

24.  Express appreciation to child/caregiver

25.  Dispose off, decontaminate and clean used items

26.  Remove examination gloves

27.  Document procedure manually or electronically


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