Geriatric Quick Consult PEG Tube Decisions Do #8
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| Knowledge | Action |
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| Not all families can manage to care for a patient with a PEG.
Although not technically difficult, looking after a PEG and administering tube feeds involves some basic nursing skills and a considerable time commitment. PEG placement does not justify skilled nursing care at home after the initial teaching is done. Typically, a nurse may visit 3 to 5 times a week for 2 to 3 weeks after hospital discharge. Personal care aides are not allowed to give tube feedings. Thus, PEG placement may precipitate nursing home admission. |
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| Basic nursing skills: The caregiver will need to be taught how to care for the PEG site, administer the feeds and flush the tube afterwards.
They will also need some information on how to troubleshoot problems such as tube blockage. Feeds are usually given as boluses but if the patient has a PEG-J or does not tolerate bolus feeding, a pump may be used. Pumps are more difficult to manage and have a tendency to be temperamental and beep, disturbing the sleep of both patients and family members. |
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| Time commitment: Feeds are usually administered up to six times a day and need to be spaced apart to allow the stomach to empty.
It may be very difficult to comply with this and it is common for patients not to receive the prescribed amount of feed. |
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