Which intervention helps maintain feeding tube patency in the adult patient?

Which intervention helps maintain feeding tube patency in the adult patient?

• A. Administer medications through feeding tube with 5 mL water
• B. Use a 20 mL or smaller syringe to flush small bore feeding tubes
• C. Flush feeding tube with 30 mL of water every 4 hours during continuous feeding
• D. Change feeding tubes every 72 hours

Answer: (C)

Regularly flushing the tube with water keeps the lumen open by diluting formula, medications, and secretions that can dry in and clog the tubing. In adults on continuous feeding through a small-bore tube, a 30 mL water flush every four hours provides enough volume to clear the line between feeds and helps prevent occlusion. This routine also supports patency after medications are given. Using a smaller syringe can create higher pressure and risk tube damage, and changing the tube every 72 hours does not address ongoing patency during use.

Regularly flushing the tube with water keeps the lumen open by diluting formula, medications, and secretions that can dry in and clog the tubing. In adults on continuous feeding through a small-bore tube, a 30 mL water flush every four hours provides enough volume to clear the line between feeds and helps prevent occlusion. This routine also supports patency after medications are given. Using a smaller syringe can create higher pressure and risk tube damage, and changing the tube every 72 hours does not address ongoing patency during use.