Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Pilot for Feeding Tube Labeling and Placement Checks in PICU



In response to two sentinel events in the adult hospital, I have been part of a group reviewing our policy for confirming the placement of feeding tubes both at the initial time of placement and on an ongoing basis (q shift, before initiating feedings, or before giving medications).

The PICU will be doing a pilot for the CH on how to label feeding tubes.  I have placed a roll of stickers at the charge nurse desk (see photo below).  After placing a feeding tube and confirming placement via Xray, this label needs to be placed on the distal (farthest from the nare) end of the feeding tube.  You need to measure in cm the distance from where the tube enters the nare to the bottom edge of this label and record the distance on the label.  Then during your assessment each shift, the tube should be measured again to ensure it has remain in place (externally – it still may have moved internally and you would assess that in your usual way).





Please let me know if you have questions or concerns.  Feedback is needed to see if the labels remain intact and are easy to use.

Thanks so much,

Melinda

J. Melinda Rauton Biller, MSN, MSW, RN, CCRN
Nurse Manager
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit (7C)
MUSC Children’s Hospital
165 Ashley Avenue
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-8639

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