Can a Catholic refuse a feeding tube?
U.S. bishops have decided that it is not permissible to remove a feeding tube from someone who is unconscious but not dying, except in a few circumstances.
What should I do if a feeding tube becomes clogged?
First, attach a 30- or 60-mL piston syringe to the feeding tube and pull back the plunger to help dislodge the clog. Next, fill the flush syringe with warm water, reattach it to the tube, and attempt a flush. If you continue to meet resistance, gently move the syringe plunger back and forth to help loosen the clog.
How do you unclog a enteral feeding tube?
The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) recommends warm water as the best option to attempt to unclog a feeding tube. They suggest attaching a 30- or 60-mL piston syringe to the feeding tube to help dislodge the clog. Pull back on the plunger to see if that dislodges the clog.
Can feeding tube get clogged?
Feeding tubes can sometimes become blocked so that no food can go through. How to Fix Clogs: First, using a syringe to gently remove the liquid on top of the blockage, if possible (throw away the fluid removed). Next, gently flush the tube using lukewarm water, using at least a 30 mL (1 oz) syringe.
Are Feeding Tubes considered life support?
Tube feeding is used when a person cannot eat and drink enough to stay alive or when it is not safe for the person to swallow food or liquids. Tube feeding can keep a person alive for days, months or years. But, people can die even when life supports are used.
Is a permanent feeding tube considered life support?
Tube feeding is not considered a basic part of care. Health care providers, ethicists and the courts consider it to be artificial nutrition and a medical treatment. This makes it comparable to other medical treatments such as dialysis or assisted breathing.
How do you unclog a feeding tube with Coke?
Can I use Coke to unclog my feeding tube? It’s not recommend by registered dietitians. Soda and juice are acidic and can react with any formula left in the tube, making the clog worse. Research shows that the best way to resolve a feeding tube clog is to use warm water and a “push-pull” motion with a 60-mL syringe.
How long can someone live on just a feeding tube?
Most investigators study patients after the PEG tube has been placed. As shown in Table 1, the mortality rate for these patients is high: 2% to 27% are dead within 30 days, and approximately 50% or more within 1 year.
Can you put soda in a feeding tube?
Do not use soda or cola to clear a clogged feeding tube. If warm water does not clear the clog, ask your nurse or dietitian about products designed to clear feeding tubes.
Can you use tap water to flush a feeding tube?
Most tubes need to be flushed at least daily with some water to keep them from clogging — even tubes that are not used. You should be given a large syringe for this. Please flush with 30 – 60 mls (1 – 2 ounces) of tap water for this purpose.