Your Health Checklist: G-tube CareA gastrostomy or feeding tube, commonly called a G-tube, supplies nutrients directly into yourstomach through your abdomen.If your healthcare provider has recommended a G-tube, follow this checklist when caring for your Gtube after leaving the hospital.Do: Follow any specific instructions your healthcare provider has given you. Make sure all yourquestions are answered before leaving the hospital.Do: Wash your hands with soap and clean, running water before and after caring for your G-tube.Gather your supplies and wear gloves if advised by your healthcare team.Do: Keep the site of your G-tube clean and dry. This should be part of your daily routine.Do: Clean the area and place gauze or a pad over it. If your tube comes out, let your healthcareprovider know. And clean and save the tube to take to your healthcare provider.Do: Include regular irrigation of your G-tube as part of your daily routine, to prevent blockages. Followyour healthcare team's specific instructions on how and when to irrigate your G-tube.Do not: Ignore signs of infection. If the area is red, sore, swollen, or there is any pus or excessdrainage coming from or around the tube, let your healthcare provider know.Do not: Ignore a fever. Call your healthcare provider if you have a fever of 100.4°F or higher.Do not: Skip cleaning the site of your G-tube. This should be done every day.Do not: Take a bath or shower until your healthcare provider tells you it is safe to do so.When you have a G-tube, take care to ensure it is working correctly. Follow this checklist and talk toyour healthcare provider about any questions you have while caring for your G-tube.
This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.
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