Patient Education Cancer of the Pancreas: A Care Guide | Page 26

Syringe or Bolus
Tube Feeding
Giving the Feeding
1. Remove the cap from the feeding
tube. Put the tip of the syringe
funnel into the feeding tube.
2. With the syringe funnel held
upright, pour water into the
syringe.
3. Unclamp the feeding tube clamp.
4. While the water goes down in the
syringe, add the formula before
it empties. This prevents air from
entering the stomach.
5. When the formula has been given,
clamp the tube again.
6. Pour the amount of tap water to be
given through the funnel.
7. Open the clamp and let the water
go through the tube.
8. Re-clamp the tube and remove the
syringe.
9. Re-cap the feeding tube.
With this type of feeding, the syringe
is used like a funnel. The formula
is poured into the syringe and goes
down the tube.
• The higher the syringe is held, the
faster the feeding tube will empty.
• The feeding should take about 10
to 15 minutes.
• If the formula is going in too fast,
hold the syringe funnel lower.
Getting Ready
1. Wash your hands well.
2. Gather your supplies:
• 50- or 60-mL syringe with
plunger removed to use as a
funnel
• Formula
• Measuring container
• Tap water to clear the tube
before and after the formula
3. Wash off the top of the formula
can with hot water.
4. Shake the can of formula to mix it.
5. Open the can and pour the amount
to be given into a measuring
container or directly into the
syringe funnel.
6. Make sure to sit up during the
feeding or be raised up on several
pillows. You will need to stay in a
raised position for 30 to 60 minutes
after the feeding.
Cleaning Up
1. Wash the syringe, plunger, and
measuring container in hot, soapy
water. Rinse well and dry.
2. Store the syringe and measuring
container in a clean, covered
container. A covered plastic box or
a resealable plastic bag works well.
Replace the syringe every 24 hours
or as directed.
3. Store unopened cans of formula
at room temperature. Store an
opened can in the refrigerator for
up to 24 hours — then throw it
away.
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