Fact Sheet for Patients and Families

Giving a Feeding in an NG Tube (for adults)

If you are unable to eat, or can’t eat enough food to meet your body’s needs, a feeding tube is a way
to provide nutrients to your body. You will be getting food through a feeding tube called a nasogastric
tube or NG tube. This tube goes through your nose to your stomach.

Preparing for an NG tube feeding Steps for a bolus or syringe feeding:

Before working with the NG tube: 1 Position yourself comfortably for the feeding.
• Clean your hands with soap and water each time
When possible, sit upright. If this is not
you work with your feeding tube. possible, make sure your head is elevated on
the bed during the feeding.
• Make sure that the type of formula is correct
and check the expiration date. If something 2 Flush the tube with 30 to 60 mL of warm water.
is incorrect, call the Enteral Team and do not 3 Remove the plunger from the large syringe and
use the formula. attach the syringe to the end of the feeding tube.
Flushing instructions: 4 Add formula to the syringe. Let the feeding
run in by gravity by raising the syringe above
• Flushing is the best way to keep your feeding
your stomach. Feeding takes about 15 to 20
tube working properly.
minutes. If needed, use the plunger to apply
• You must flush or clear the feeding tube with
slight pressure to administer the feeds.
warm water several times each day to keep it
from clogging. 5 When the feeding is complete, flush the tube
• Always flush at least twice a day and before, with at least 30 to 60 mL of warm water.
between, and after giving medications through
the NG tube.
Steps for a gravity bag feeding:
• Flush with 30 to 60 mL of warm tap water (use 1 Position yourself comfortably for the feeding.
at least 20 to 30 mL between each medication). When possible, sit upright. If this is not
• For your continuous feeding, flush at least possible, make sure your head is elevated on
every 4 to 6 hours. If the pump can be set to the bed during the feeding.
automatically flush, set it to flush every hour, 2 Flush the tube with 30 to 60 mL of warm water.
unless instructed otherwise. 3 Pour formula into the gravity bag, and prime the
Follow the steps for your type of feeding: tubing with formula by opening the roller clamp.
4 Attach the gravity bag tubing to the NG tube.
Bolus or syringe feeding
5 If there is a clamp on your feeding tube,
Gravity bag feeding
unclamp it. Let the feeding run in by gravity
Continuous feeding
by raising the bag. The feeding rate may be
adjusted by positioning the roller clamp on the
tubing. The feeding may take up to 1 hour.
6 When the feeding is complete, flush the tube
with 30 to 60 mL of water. Try not to put extra
air into your stomach.
7 The feeding tube can be rinsed with warm
water and used again for up to 24 hours.
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Steps for a continuous feeding: How long can a feeding tube stay in?
1 Set up the feeding by following the directions • The feeding tube can be left in for 1 to 3 months
for the pump (see separate handout) and or longer if your doctor says it’s okay.
prime the tubing. • Always check with your doctor before removing
2 Place an amount of formula in the bag the tube.
according to hang time:
Giving medication in your
12 hours for any ready-to-feed formula
feeding tube:
4 hours for any powdered formula
Flush the tube with warm water before, between,
2 hours for any homemade blended formula
and after giving each medication.
3 Flush the tube every 4 to 6 hours using at least • Speak with your pharmacist if you are unsure
30 to 60 mL of warm water. which medications can be given through your
4 Flush feeding tube with 30 to 60 mL of feeding tube.
warm water. • Try to use liquid medication whenever possible.
Use a small amount of water to thin out thick
5 Attach the feeding bag to the tube.
medications.
6 Start the pump per the manufacturer’s • Crush tablets into a fine powder and then
directions. mix with 20 to 30 mL of warm water. Let it
7 Change the feeding bag every 24 hours. dissolve as much as possible then draw up the
8 Before adding fresh formula, pour out any medication solution into the syringe.
remaining formula and rinse the bag with • Flush with 20 to 30 mL of warm water.
warm water. • Attach the syringe and give the medication.

9 Flush the feeding tube with 30 to 60 mL of • Flush with 30 to 60 mL of warm water.

warm water anytime the pump is turned • Repeat with each medication.
off (for example, if you get up in the night Do not give these through your feeding tube:
and disconnect from the pump) and at the
• Time-released capsules • Digestive enzymes
completion of the feeding.
• Enteric-coated tablets • Biaxin (antibiotic)

General care
Mouth care
• Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day using a toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Rinse your mouth with mouthwash or water several times each day, if allowed.
• Use a lip balm if your lips are dry.
• If your doctor allows, suck on sugarless candy, hard candy, or chew gum.
Nose care
• Clean the edges of both nostrils at least once a day with a cotton swab moistened with warm water.
• Clean off any debris that accumulates on your tube.
• You may apply water-soluble lubricating jelly to the nostrils.
• Report any signs of redness, bleeding, or numbness to your nurse, doctor, or Enteral Team.
Skin care
• If your skin under the tape gets irritated, you may want to get a thin hydrocolloid dressing and place
it on your face first. Then place the tube on that dressing, and tape the top of the tube or dressing.
This will protect the skin. Call the Enteral Team to request this.

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De-clogging the tube
What do I do if there is a problem?
Your NG tube may become clogged. Frequent
flushing with warm water is the best way to The most common problem with NG tubes is
prevent clogging. Always flush your tube before that the tube is not positioned properly. The
and after feeding, and before, between, and after tube may be coiled in the back of the throat, or
each medication. If your tube becomes clogged, it may not be all the way into the stomach.
first check if the tube is kinked. If it is not, follow 1 If you begin to vomit, cough, or gag:
of these 2 methods to “de-clog” (unclog) the tube: 1 Stop the feeding.
Method 1: Flushing 2 Call your doctor or the Enteral Team.

• Fill a 60 mL syringe with warm water. If your caretaker notices that you stop
• Flush the tube working the plunger in and out. breathing or turn blue, they need to call 911.
• Repeat 4 to 5 times until the tube flushes easily. If your tube comes out, follow the
instructions from your doctor.
Method 2: Using a de-clogging enzyme
If your tube cracks or breaks or has other
• Use the “De-clogging Enzyme Kit” provided by
damage, call your doctor immediately.
the Enteral Team.
• Slowly push this solution into the tube with
the syringe.
• Let it sit for 1 to 2 hours. Need help or have questions?
• Flush with 60 mL of warm water in a large syringe.
Enteral Team
You may need to work the plunger in and out
(385) 887-7356
gently.
Intermountain Homecare Main Number
If you are unable to de-clog your tube, call the
Enteral Team or your doctor. (385) 887-6000 | (800) 527-1118 (Toll Free)

Questions for my Enteral Team or my doctor:

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if you have any questions or concerns. FSHC056 - 12/24 (Last reviewed - 09/22) Also available in Spanish.
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