Clogged feeding tubes

Does anyone have any tips on how to clear clogged feeding tubes? Almost everytime I come on the floor the feeding tubes are clogged!! Any easy to unclog them?
I use a irrigation syringe with plunger (Not bulb). and draw up 50ccs of warm water into the syringe..plug it in and push down. Hasn't failed yet.One of these- http://lslhealthcare.com/images/myimages/119-sml.JPG

Very warm water is good, as noted. Try cola, or ginger ale. Remind everyone that plain water should be used as the last flush, every time.

Warm diet coke, as a last resort. Diet is more acidic than regular coke.

Coke works better than Pepsi. And I've never had Diet Coke actually work at all, so I'm surprised to see that it supposedly works better than Coke. I must be doing it wrong.

Do the patients have standing orders how often and how much they should be flushed with free water? Even when the water goes down slow, I usually use cola or ginger ale to help open the tube.

Quote from JulieCVICURNCoke works better than Pepsi. And I've never had Diet Coke actually work at all, so I'm surprised to see that it supposedly works better than Coke. I must be doing it wrong.

Quote from PhillygrylDoes anyone have any tips on how to clear clogged feeding tubes? Almost everytime I come on the floor the feeding tubes are clogged!! Any easy to unclog them?

I have had some really bad ones a few times where coke and/or warm water didn't work. Some of my coworkers will take the stylet to the tube. This is not recommended due to the risk of perforation but it does work. I won't do it, though. Some will use bicarb IV amps -- draw it up and try to flush it though. I haven't seen any better success with this than coke.The best thing I have found is pancrelipase capsules + bicarb tablet. Our pharmacist knows this works and will get an order for us to do it. We take two capsules, open them up, crush the bicarb, and mix with warm water. You need to wait 15-20 minutes to get the pancrelipase to dissolve. Then, flush it through. It works in about two seconds.

I'm gonna say Coke since I don't already see it mentionedSeriously though, Diet Coke. Be careful... I have seen a nurse take a coke/feeding bath before...

Quote from lkwashingtonDo the patients have standing orders how often and how much they should be flushed with free water? Even when the water goes down slow, I usually use cola or ginger ale to help open the tube.

use a small syringe (10cc) filled with most any liquid. i will plunge the syringe until you break loose the clog. be careful though, if you do not have a good seal, you will spray yourself or your patient with liquid grossness.

Quote from propofol_milkshakeuse a small syringe (10cc) filled with most any liquid. i will plunge the syringe until you break loose the clog. be careful though, if you do not have a good seal, you will spray yourself or your patient with liquid grossness.