HINT: Tin cola exist used to clear a blocked 1000- tube?

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Connected Care Quick Hits are up to date and show based recommendations for the care of children with medical complexity & engineering dependence, from hospital to home.

HINT:Can Cola be used to unblock an enteral feeding tube?

SITUATION:

Cola and other carbonated and acidic beverages are still sometimes being used in practice to unblock enteral feeding tubes, however this is not recommended .

Background:

Cola was previously recommended by health care providers as a method to unblock enteral feeding tubes. Current best practice recommends Not to use cola or other acidic beverages including ginger ale or cranberry juice as it may worsen the blockage.

Assessment:

Indications that an enteral feeding tube may be blocked:

  • Difficulties / unable to push fluid into the tube

  • Feeding pump may beep indicating there is an "occlusion" or a "flow fault"

RECOMMENDATION:

  • Practice NOT use Cola or other acidic beverages to try and unblock the tube

  • Endeavor to unblock the tube equally soon as possible following these steps:

For ALL enteral feeding tubes (Thou, GJ, One thousand/GJ combination, low-contour G or low-contour GJ)

  1. If the child's tube has a removable adaptor, remove it first to bank check if it is the cause of the blockage

  2. Attach the smallest syringe available (1 mL recommended) straight at the tube. If unblocking a depression profile tube, attach the syringe directly into the feeding port

  3. Using a pulsating push-and-pull motion, insert as much warm water into the tube equally possible. This pulsating motion will help dislodge the blockage

  4. If you lot have a prescription for pancreatic enzymes and sodium bicarbonate, try this method (every bit directed) if warm h2o does not work

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