Question

A 69 year old., 70 kg male is on a continuous high protein high fiber tube feeding running at 65 mL/hour. The tube feeding was selected to assist with wound healing and diarrhea. The tube feeding is stopped every 6 hours, residuals checked and tube is flushed with 30 mL water. The patient is provided liquid medications through the feeding tube twice/ day. The tube becomes occluded. The most likely reason the tube became occluded is:

1: Frequent checking of residuals
2: Inadequate flushing of tube
3: The high protein high calories formula
4: Liquid medication administration vs. crushed tables mixed in water.

Answer 1

An inadequate flushing of the tube is the most likely cause of the feeding tube occlusion, given the scenario of a 69-year-old male on high protein high fiber tube feeding and medications with only 30 mL of water used for flushing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely reason the tube feeding became occluded is inadequate flushing of the tube. In the provided scenario, a 69-year-old male patient on high protein high fiber tube feeding experiences a tube occlusion. While high protein formulas and medications can contribute to occlusions, they are often effectively managed with proper tube maintenance, including regular and adequate flushing.

Since the tube feeding is stopped every 6 hours for residuals to be checked and is only flushed with 30 mL water, it suggests that the flushing volume may be insufficient to clear the tube of the dense nutrient formula and any medication residue. Over time, insufficient flushing can lead to build-up within the tube, resulting in occlusion.