ENTERAL TEACH

NOTE: THIS IS A PATIENT TEACH

Pharmacy specific orders / instructions always supersede the Agency guidance provided below. If in doubt, do not guess, tag @TeamHelp-CareCoordination(Best Tag) and ask for Clinical Support or call the office

ALWAYS make sure you have everything you need to complete visit before you begin

ALWAYS confirm your medication dose against the medication label and orders

ALWAYS reach out to us first (not the Pharmacy) with any questions

NEVER tell a Pt you have not given a particular medication before

PREPARATION

1. Familiarize yourself with G-tube basics, care, and troubleshooting.

2. Review Pump and bag setup and usage.

NEED to KNOW

1. Feeding sets/tubing are good for 24 hours

2. Feeding/formula is good for 12 hours. Store any opened containers in the fridge and take out about 20 – 30 minutes prior to feed to come to room temperature.

3. Flushing before and after residual volume checks, before and after medication administration, before and after intermittent bolus feeds and when providing additional free water.

4. Use 60 ml syringe to avoid high pressures.

5. Flush unused tube BID with 30 ml.

G-TUBE TEACHING PROCESS

1. Explain and have patient’s caregiver demonstrate the following: 

   • Loading the feeding bag.

   • Loading the tubing into the pump.

   • Setting the rates and doses on the pump.

2. Explain cleaning protocols and troubleshooting tips

AFTER TEACHING

1. Ensure the caregivers understand and feel comfortable with the G-tube care steps.

2. Answer any additional questions

3. Provide pharmacy contact information for follow-up assistance

4. Document patient’s level of understanding, ability to perform the tasks and need for follow up teaching. If patient needs follow up teaching, reach out to Agency and inform them

RESOURCES

HHC Policy:  HelmsHomecare-Enteral Education

Video:  Administer Enteral Bolus Feeding

Video:  Flocare Infinity Pump for Enteral Feeding

Video:  EnteralLite Inifinity Pump