Enteral Feeding Tube Enhancement

Manikins such as Nursing Anne can use an NG tube but they often lack sufficient space for instilling extra liquids for tube feedings and medication administration. They also have limited space for PEG tube fluids.

NG tubes and PEG tubes can have an extension added to them to easily run a large amount of fluids into a bucket or bedpan. The bucket or bedpan can then easily be emptied when more fluids need to be administered.

Students will be able to practice either medication administration or tube feedings without being concerned about the amount of fluids being instilled into manikin bladders.

• 1/8" straight connector with barbs from auto parts store
• PEG tube with drain gauze or NG tube with safety pin
• 3-4 feet of 1/8" inside diameter tubing from hardware store
• basin or bucket
• 3-4 feet of 1/8" inside diameter tubing from hardware store
• tape
• butterfly clip
• hemostats for PEG tube insertion
• scissors

1. FOR PEG TUBE: Cut off the insertion tip on a PEG tube. Be sure to cut above the holes so that it will create a sealed system. Insert this piece in an abdominal hole of the manikin, feeding it though the underside by using a pair of hemostats to grab it and pull it though.
   
2. Insert the straight connector into the cut end of the PEG tube. Insert the other end of the straight connector through the 3-4 feet of 1/8" ID tubing. Run this down through the genital area, under the leg, and down over the side of the bed into a basin. Use butterfly clips to attach the tubing to the basin to keep it from leaking on the floor.
   
3. Replace the genitals. Tape on a drain sponge and test the PEG tube for patency and possible leaks.
   
4. FOR NG TUBE: Cut the insertion tip of the NG tube off above the small holes at the end to allow it to create a sealed system. Open up the chest of the manikin and remove the stomach bladder. Lube the NG tube and insert it until you see it come out the opening for the stomach.
   
5. Insert the straight connector into the cut end of the NG tube. Insert the other end of the straight connector through the 3-4 feet of 1/8" ID tubing. Run this down through the genital area, under the leg, and down over the side of the bed into a bath basin. Use butterfly clips to attach the tubing to the basin to keep it from leaking on the floor.
   
6. Replace the genitals. Tape the NG tube to the nose. Place a piece of tape on the NG tube and safety pin it to the gown of the manikin. Test it for patency and possible leaks.