EQUIPMENT
Catheter tip syringe
Formula pump
Bag and tubing for pump
Formula
Water
Gloves, nonsterile

PROCEDURE

1. Check order for type, amount, and frequency of feed-

ing.

2. Gather equipment. Promotes organization and effi-

ciency.

3. Explain procedure to child and family. Enhances cooper-

ation and participation and reduces anxiety and fear.

4. Wash hands. Reduces transmission of microorganisms.
5. Warm formula to room temperature. Promotes comfort.
6. Position child on right side or supine with head ele-

vated. Have assistant hold/comfort child as necessary.
Reduces risk of reflux or vomiting.

7. Put on nonsterile gloves. Protects from contact with

body fluids.

8. Check tube placement and residual as specified by

agency policy.

9. Place up to 4 hours of formula in bag. Label with date

and time. Prevents accumulation of microorganisms.

NOTE: Do not add new formula to old formula already
in bag.

10. Hang feeding bag on IV pole.
11. Prime delivery tubing with formula and thread through

formula pump according to manufacturer’s instructions.

12. Attach tubing to end of NG/NJ/gastrostomy tube.
13. Turn on formula pump and set at prescribed rate.
14. Remove gloves. Wash hands. Reduces transmission of

microorganisms.

15. Flush tubing every 4–6 hours during feeding and at the

completion of feeding. Prevents tubing from becoming
clogged.
a. Neonates and fluid restricted children flush with 1–2

cc of air or water.

b. Other children flush with 10–15 cc of water.

16. Replace disposable feeding bag and tubing every 24

hours. Prevents accumulation of microorganisms.

DOCUMENTATION

1. Type of formula.
2. Rate of administration.
3. Intake and output.
4. How feeding tolerated.

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Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.

SKILL 25

SKILL 25

Administration of NG, NJ, Gastrostomy and
Continuous Feeding