Halyard MIC GASTROSTOMY FEEDING TUBE Instrucciones De Uso página 5

syringe to the amount recommended or the amount initially prescribed and
documented in the patient record. If the amount is less than recommended
or prescribed, refill the balloon with the water initially removed, then draw
up and add the amount needed to bring the balloon volume up to the
recommended and prescribed amount of water. Be aware as you deflate the
balloon there may be some gastric contents that can leak from around the
tube. Document the fluid volume, the amount of volume to be replaced (if
any), the date and time.
• Wait 10–20 minutes and repeat the procedure. The balloon is leaking if it has
lost fluid, and the tube should be replaced. A deflated or ruptured balloon
could cause the tube to dislodge or be displaced. If the balloon is ruptured,
it will need to be replaced. Secure the tube into position using tape, then
follow facility protocol and/or call the physician for instructions.
Note: Refill the balloon using sterile or distilled water, not air or saline. Saline
can crystallize and clog the balloon valve or lumen, and air may seep out and
cause the balloon to collapse. Be sure to use the recommended amount of water
as over-inflation can obstruct the lumen or decrease balloon life and under-
inflation will not secure the tube properly.
Tube Occlusion
Tube occlusion is generally caused by:
• Poor flushing techniques
• Failure to flush after measurement of gastric residuals
• Inappropriate administration of medication
• Pill fragments
• Viscous medications
• Thick formulas, such as concentrated or enriched formulas that are generally
thicker and more likely to obstruct tubes
• Formula contamination that leads to coagulation
• Reflux of gastric or intestinal contents up the tube
To Unclog A Tube
1. Make sure that the feeding tube is not kinked or clamped off.
2. If the clog is visible above the skin surface, gently massage or milk the tube
between fingers to break up the clog.
3. Next, place a catheter tip syringe filled with warm water into the appropriate
adaptor or lumen of the tube and gently pull back on then depress the
plunger to dislodge the clog.
4. If the clog remains, repeat step #3. Gentle suction alternating with syringe
pressure will relieve most obstructions.
5. If this fails, consult with the physician. Do not use cranberry juice, cola
drinks, meat tenderizer or chymotrypsin, as they can actually cause clogs or
create adverse reactions in some patients. If the clog is stubborn and cannot
be removed, the tube will have to be replaced.
Balloon Longevity
Precise balloon life cannot be predicted. Silicone balloons generally last
1–8 months, but the life span of the balloon varies according to several factors.
These factors may include medications, volume of water used to inflate the
balloon, gastric pH and tube care.
Warning: For enteral nutrition and/or medication only.
For more information, please call 1-844-425-9273 in the United States, or visit
our web site at halyardhealth.com.
Educational Booklets: "A Guide to Proper Care" and "A Stoma Site and Enteral
Feeding Tube Troubleshooting Guide" is available upon request. Please contact
your local representative or contact Customer Care.
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