Gastrostomy Tube (GT) Medication and Feeding

Table of Contents

Steps

  1. Wash your hands and check the 5 rights 

  2. Gather the needed supplies, including the medication and steps as outlined in the Medication Administration Record (MAR) 

  3. Put on gloves and prepare feeding or medications as ordered (ensure whether a medication is able to be crushed or dissolved per the prescription label) 

  4. Remove the plunger from a large syringe and set to the side 

  5. Place each medication separately in the prescribed amount of water in individual plastic medication cups 

  6. Ensure the student is in an upright position either sitting or with the head above 30 degrees 

  7. Remove the plug to cap on the tube that you have been instructed to use 

  8. With the plunger removed from the syringe, connect the large syringe to the GT holding it in an upright fashion with the opening at the top to allow air bubbles to escape from the tube 

  9. Provide an initial flush with the prescribed amount of water by pouring it slowly to be fed by gravity through the tube and into the stomach before administering any feeding or medication 

  10. Administer each medication one at a time with the prescribed amount of water flush provided between each medication or administer the feeding as delegated by your school nurse 

  11. After the medications are administered or the feeding, flush the GT with the prescribed amount of water using gravity and keep the student in an upright position either sitting or with their head above 30 degrees 

  12. Replace the plug or cap on the GT 

  13. Check the area around the GT for signs of skin irritation or redness 

  14. Clean the supplies as directed 15. Dispose of any empty plastic medication cups or empty feeding supplies in the recycle bin 

  15. Remove your gloves 

  16. Wash your hands 

  17. Communicate with the nurse if there are any unusual issues 

  18. Store the medications securely in a locked cabinet or as directed on the prescription label 

  19. Store the supplies in the designated area as directed by the school nurse 

  20. Ensure the delegatee has demonstrated competency with the school nurse on the 6th right of delegation with all delegated care: documentation