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Our nurses and carers at Cavendish Homecare are trained to the highest standard. We ensure they are kept up-to-date, knowledgeable, and well-equipped when caring for our clients. As part of our ongoing commitment to both our nurses and clients we undertake a number of courses internally.
Cavendish Homecare has recently ran refresher training courses on PEG feeding tubes with Esnart Namakando. Esnart is an experienced nurse and works as one of the Nursing Managers within the Cavendish Homecare team.
What is a PEG feeding tube?
PEG feeding tube is the use of inserted tubes that go directly into the stomach of a patient. They are used when a patient is unable to eat or drink, or when they are unable to receive all the required nutrition needed by mouth.
What you need to know about PEG feeding tubes
PEG feeding tube is normally inserted by a doctor under general anesthetic, however can be maintained in the home by a nurse or the patient.
The PEG feeding tube has a small disc that is placed in the stomach (inside of the gastrostomy) with another small disc that sits on top of your skin where the tube is inserted. The discs stop the tube from coming out whilst at the same time preventing the tube from going fully into the stomach.
It is very important to ensure the area where the tube is inserted remains infection-free and Esnart covered in her training how to maintain a clean and safe insertion area. There can be some discomfort when the tube is initially inserted, and most patients do not have any problems. However, it is also important to distinguish the difference between the initial discomfort and when that discomfort might require further investigation.
Esnart also discussed the use of the clamp when the tube is not being used and the device to attach the tube to the skin when not feeding.
Overall the day was a success and was attended by 9 nurses, areas covered included;
- Signs and symptoms of infection
- Signs that the tube might be blocked and what you will need to do
- If the tube accidentally comes out what you need to
- How to hide the tube under clothes
- Activities that need to be avoided
Caring for the PEG-tube Site
- Drainage of the tube if required
- Skin care maintenance around the insertion area
- How to clean the area
- Keeping the PEG-tube in place
