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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions On Enteral Pumps

  • Weigh yourself 2 times a week at the same time of day and in the same type of clothing. Write it down in your diary.
  • Call your doctor, dietitian, if you:
    - Gain more than 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) in 1 week 
    - Lose more than 2 pounds (.90 kilograms) in 1 week 
    - Have swelling in your feet, legs, hands, or face 
    - Feel very thirsty o Feel dizzy o Have difficulty breathing

The best position for tube feeding is to Sit up in a chair during the procedure. If you’re getting your tube feeding while in bed, use a wedge pillow to prop yourself up to at least 45 degrees.

  • Always reclamp your feeding tube before removing your catheter tip syringe to avoid leakage.
  • Move the clamp on your feeding tube to avoid permanent kinking of the tube.
  • To avoid clogging, always flush your feeding tube with the amount of water recommended by your NP or dietitian (usually 30 to 60 mL) before and after:
    - Each feeding. 
    - Taking each medication. 
    - Taking additional clear liquids.
  • If you aren’t using your feeding tube daily, flush it with 60 mL of water at least once a day.

Some of the common problems faced by tube fed patients are Constipation, bloating, nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea

Contact your healthcare provider

  • If you see any of the following at your insertion site:
    - Bleeding that soaks a small gauze pad 
    - Pus or drainage with a foul smell 
    - Redness 
    - Swelling 
    - Increased pain that doesn’t go away with medication
  • Feel too full after feedings
  • Have swelling in your abdomen
  • Have nausea or vomiting for more than 24 hours
  • Have bloating, stomach cramps, or diarrhea for more than 24 hours
  • Haven’t had a bowel movement in 2 days
  • Have hard and dry bowel movements
  • Have any changes in your bowel movement, such as in the color, consistency, frequency, or amount.
  • Have any changes in your urine, such as in the color, frequency, or amount.
  • Have a temperature of 101° F (38.3° C) or higher
  • Have chills
  • Gain more than 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) per week
  • Lose more than 2 pounds (.90 kilograms) per week
  • Have swelling of your feet, legs, hands, or face
  • Are dizzy
  • Have difficulty breathing
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