Some clients receive nutrition through a feeding tube (enteral feeding). PSWs don't manage the feeds, but you support comfort and watch for problems.
Common Types
- NG tube — through the nose into the stomach (often short-term).
- G-tube/PEG — directly into the stomach through the abdomen (longer-term).
The PSW's Role
- Keep the client upright during and after feeds (per care plan) to prevent aspiration.
- Keep the skin around the tube site clean and dry.
- Provide mouth care — clients may not eat by mouth.
- Report problems; don't adjust the feed yourself.
What to Watch and Report
- Redness, leaking, or irritation at the tube site.
- Coughing, choking, or trouble breathing.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- A tube that looks dislodged.
Stay in Scope
Managing feeds and flushing tubes is a nursing task. Your job is comfort, observation, and reporting.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Tubes: NG (nose) and G-tube/PEG (abdomen).
- Keep client upright to prevent aspiration.
- Provide mouth care; keep the site clean.
- Don't adjust feeds — observe and report.