Digestive
Considerations:
- Venting can be helpful to try if a student with a G-tube complains of cramping or gassiness during or after feedings.
- Encourage the student to assist in the procedure as much as they are 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 Health care provider’s order
- Parent/Guardian authorization form
Procedure:
- Review the student’s IHCP and health care provider’s order
- Ensure proper documentation of parent/guardian authorization to perform this procedure
- Explain the procedure to the student at a level they will understand
- Position student either sitting or supine with the head up at least 30 degrees
- Wash hands
- Gather supplies and place on clean surface
- Put on gloves
- Place a towel under student’s abdomen near their G-tube site to absorb excessive drainage
- Remove cap or plug from G-tube
- Attach extension tubing if the student has a skin level device G-tube
- Remove plunger from 60-mL ENFit/enteral syringe
- Connect the 60-mL ENFit/enteral syringe to the extension tubing or G-tube
- Open clamp on extension tubing
- Raise the extension tubing approximately 6″ above the stomach so gas and stomach contents can pass freely up and down the tube
- Vent until gassiness is relieved and allow any gastric contents to instill via gravity
- Flush extension tubing with 5-mL water or as recommended according to the student’s Individualized Health Care Plan (IHCP)
- Disconnect the ENFit/enteral syringe
- Clamp and remove extension tubing
- Replace plug or cap into G-tube
- Remove gloves
- Clean ENFit/enteral syringes 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 health care record
- Follow up with parents/guardian and health care 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
________________________________________
Acknowledgment of Reviewers:
Angie Bulmahn, MSN, RN, NCSN
School Nurse Specialist
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Marjorie Cole, MSN, RN, FASHA
State School Nurse Consultant
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Renee Falkner, BSN, RN
School Nurse Supervision Specialist | Therapylog
Katherine Park, DNP, RN, NCSN
Nationally Certified School Nurse, Pierremont Elementary
Adjunct Professor, Maryville University School of Nursing
________________________________________
Page last reviewed: September 17, 2021
Page last updated: September 17, 2021; February 15, 2024/no video
________________________________________
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.
Skill Competency Download