Nutricia FLOCARE DirectPEG Gebrauchsanweisung Seite 37

CONFIRMING THE
POSITION OF THE TUBE
Before administering tube feed or fluids, the correct position of the tube must be verified. For
this either the aspiration of gastric juice, in order to measure pH value, or auscultation of air is
recommended.
Measurement of pH of gastric juice:
The pH value indicates whether a liquid is acidic, neutral or basic. You will need pH indicator
paper (litmus paper) and an ENFit™ syringe. Connect the ENFit™ syringe with the tube and draw
a few ml of gastric contents. The aspirated contents should be either tube feed or a clear to
yellowish liquid.
When aspirating gastric juice from children, it is advised to turn the child to the left side. Place
the aspirated contents on the pH indicator paper. The pH value should be <5.5. After verification
rinse the tube and start administration. If the pH is >5.5, contact the treating physician as it will
be necessary to take an X-ray to verify the correct position of the tube. Please note that certain
medications such as Antacids can influence the measurement.
Auscultation of air:
For the auscultation of air you need a stethoscope and an ENFit™ syringe. First of all, draw up
5 – 10 ml air into the ENFit™ syringe and connect the syringe with the tube connector (swivel
connection). Position the stethoscope above the left sight of the abdominal wall at the height of
the waist. Now, inject the air from the syringe and listen whether a gargling sound occurs. If you
don't hear anything, repeat the procedure once more. If there is still no audible sound, contact
the treating physician, who will verify the correct position of the tube via X-ray in case of doubt.
If you have any reason to suspect your feeding tube is positioned incorrectly, do not administer
any tube feed or fluids and contact the treating physician immediately.
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