Enteral Drug Administration, cont.

• Perform hand hygiene

• Put on gloves and other personal protective equipment, as needed

• Trace the tubing from the patient to its point of origin

• Unclamp the enteral tube if not in continuous use, or (if not already done) stop
the continuous enteral feeding, clamp the enteral administration set, and cap
the distal end of the tubing. Verify enteral tube placement

• Notify the practitioner if tube placement is in doubt. Arrange for an X-ray, if ordered

• After verifying proper tube placement, flush the tube with at least 15 mL of purified
water. Monitor the patient closely throughout instillation. Stop the procedure
immediately and notify the practitioner if the patient shows signs of distress

• Administer the medication using an enteral syringe

• Flush the enteral tube again with at least 15 mL of purified water

• Repeat the procedure with the next medication, if prescribed

• Flush the enteral tube one final time with at least 15 mL of purified water

• Clamp the enteral tube and detach the syringe

• Replace the cap at the tip of the enteral tube. Alternatively, attach the enteral
administration set tubing to the end of the enteral tube, unclamp the tube, and
restart the enteral feeding, if ordered. Hold the feeding for 30 minutes or more
after medication administration only if separation is indicated. Consult a
pharmacist, as needed

• Discard the fluid-impermeable pad or towel

• Return the bed to the lowest position

• Clean and dry reusable equipment

• Discard used supplies in the appropriate receptacle

• Remove and discard your personal protective equipment

• Perform hand hygiene

• Store the equipment away from potential sources of contamination

• Perform hand hygiene

• Document the procedure

Lippincott Procedures (2020). Enteral Tube Drug Instillation. Revised November 15, 2019
https://procedures.lww.com/lnp/view.do?pId=1820088&hits=oral,administration,drug,drugs&a=false&ad=false

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