Flush the feeding tube with warm water and a clean the syringe before the first daily feeding, after the last daily feeding, and other times as instructed. Follow the steps below:
-
Fill a clean bowl with warm water.
-
Put the tip of the syringe in the water.
-
Draw up 15 to 30
cc (mL) of water. Follow your provider's specific instructions. The exact amount of water to use will vary depending on your age, condition, and situation.
-
Turn off the pump.
-
Close the clamp on the feeding bag tubing.
-
Remove the tubing from the port.
-
Put the tip of the syringe in the feeding port.
-
Plug-in port. If you have a plug-in feeding tube port, push the tip of the syringe into the feeding tube port.
-
Twist-on port. If you have a twist-on feeding tube port, screw the syringe tip onto your feeding port.
-
Push the plunger down.
-
Let the water run through the feeding tube.
-
Start the feeding or close the cap on the feeding port.
-
Tape the tube to the skin with medical tape.