A nurse is providing site care for a child who a gastrostomy enteral tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
A) "Tape the tube to the child's cheek." Taping the tube to the child's cheek is not appropriate for securing a gastrostomy enteral tube. The tube should be securely anchored to the child's abdomen to prevent dislodgment or irritation. Taping to the cheek can lead to unnecessary friction or skin breakdown. B) "Secure the tubing to the child's abdomen." The proper method to secure a gastrostomy tube is to anchor the tubing to the child’s abdomen with a specialized securing device or adhesive bandage. This ensures the tube remains in place, minimizing movement and preventing irritation or accidental removal. Proper securing also promotes comfort and safety for the child. C) "Apply water-soluble lubricant to the site." Water-soluble lubricant should not be applied directly to the gastrostomy site. This can cause irritation or create a barrier that inhibits proper healing. Instead, the site should be kept clean and dry, with appropriate care to prevent infection or breakdown. D) "Attach an extension tube to the site's opening prior to use." While attaching an extension tube may be necessary for feeding or drainage, this action is not related to site care. The focus of site care is to ensure the gastrostomy tube remains securely in place, and the skin around the site is maintained without infection or irritation. Extension tubes are used for feeding or medication administration, not for routine site care.