Patient Education Cancer of the Pancreas: A Care Guide | Page 27

Gravity Drip Feeding
Giving the Feeding
1. Take the cap off the end of the
tubing attached to the feeding
bag.
2. Squeeze the drip chamber so
that the formula fills the chamber
about half full.
3. Open the flow regulator clamp
and let the formula fill the tubing.
This will clear the air out of the
tubing.
4. Once the formula has filled the
length of tubing, close the flow
regulator clamp again.
5. Be 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.
6. Remove the cap from the end of
the feeding tube.
7. Attach the tubing from the feeding
bag to the feeding tube.
8. Open the clamp on the feeding
tube.
9. Roll open the flow regulator
clamp to let the formula run into
the tube. Adjust the clamp to have
the formula run in for about 30
minutes.
10. Check the bag and tubing often
to make sure that the flow keeps
going. Adjust the clamp as
needed.
This type of feeding is given using a
feeding bag and tubing. Adjusting the
roller clamp on the tubing controls the
flow of the formula.
Getting Ready
1. Wash your hands well.
2. Gather your supplies:
• Formula
• Measuring container, if needed
• Feeding set — bag and tubing
• 50- or 60-mL piston syringe
• Tap water
• Pole or hook on the wall to
hold feeding bag
3. Wash off the top of the formula
can with hot water.
4. Shake the can to mix the formula.
5. Attach the tubing from the feeding
set to the feeding bag. Close the
roller clamp on the tubing.
6. Open the can and pour the amount
of formula to be given into a
measuring container or directly into
the feeding bag.
7. Close the bag. Hang the bag on a
pole or hook at least 3 feet above
your stomach.
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