Patient Education Cancer of the Pancreas: A Care Guide | Page 29

Giving Extra Water
through the Tube
6. Squeeze the drip chamber so
that the formula fills the chamber
about half full. For some pumps,
you will need to squeeze a section
of the tubing to push the formula
through the tubing.
7. Open the clamp on the tubing
and let the formula run through
the tubing, clearing the air as it
goes.
8. Put the tubing into the pump as
directed in the manufacturer’s
instructions.
9. Attach the tubing to the feeding
tube.
10. Open the clamps on the feeding
tube and the tubing from the
pump.
11. Turn the pump on and set the
flow rate. Move the switch on the
pump to begin the flow of the
formula.
• Check from time to time to be
sure that the formula is flowing
well.
• Listen for the pump to beep
or stop. This may happen if the
tubing is blocked or if the
feeding bag is empty.
12. Store unopened cans of formula
at room temperature. Store an
opened can in the refrigerator for
up to 24 hours — then throw it
away.
Extra water is often given every day
to keep you from getting dehydrated.
The extra water may also be needed
to keep your feeding tube from
clogging.
After each medication is given
through the tube, flush tube with
30 mL of water. This will help the
tube stay open and reduce the need
for replacing the tube.
Use the plunger in the syringe when
you are giving extra water after a
feeding or after medicine is given
through the tube.
Put the tip of the syringe into the
water and pull back on the plunger
so the water goes into the syringe.
Put the syringe into the end of the
feeding tube and push firmly and
quickly to force the water through the
tube.
You can remove the plunger from the
syringe and put the syringe into the
end of the tube. Use the syringe like a
funnel and pour the water into it. The
water will empty into the tube to your
stomach or your small intestine.
Solving Problems
You may never have these problems,
but you need to be aware of them
and know what to do in case they
occur.
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