Health Promotion and Maintenance Q 132
Which statement made by the family member caring for the client with a percutaneous gastrostomy tube indicates an understanding of the nurse’s teaching?
A. "I must flush the tube with water after feedings and clamp the tube."
B. "I must check placement four times per day."
C. "I will report to the doctor any signs of indigestion."
D. "If my father is unable to swallow, I will discontinue the feeding and call the clinic."
Correct Answer: A. “I must flush the tube with water after feedings and clamp the tube.”
The client’s family member should be taught to flush the tube after each feeding and clamp the tube. PEG stands for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, a procedure in which a flexible feeding tube is placed through the abdominal wall and into the stomach. PEG allows nutrition, fluids and/or medications to be put directly into the stomach, bypassing the mouth and esophagus.
Option B: A dressing will be placed on the PEG site following the procedure. This dressing is usually removed after one or two days. After that you should clean the site once a day with diluted soap and water and keep the site dry between cleansings. No special dressing or covering is needed.
Option C: The placement should be checked before feedings, and indigestion can occur with the PEG tube, just as it can occur with any client. Complications can occur with the PEG placement. Possible complications include pain at the PEG site, leakage of stomach contents around the tube site, and dislodgement or malfunction of the tube. Possible complications include infection of the PEG site, aspiration (inhalation of gastric contents into the lungs), bleeding and perforation (an unwanted hole in the bowel wall).
Option D: Medications can be ordered for indigestion, but it is not a reason for alarm. A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube is used for clients who have experienced difficulty swallowing. The tube is inserted directly into the stomach and does not require swallowing.