When administering a gastrostomy medication via a tube, at which times should 15 to 30 mL of water be instilled? (Single best answer)

When administering a gastrostomy medication via a tube, at which times should 15 to 30 mL of water be instilled? (Single best answer)

• A. After each medication
• B. Before aspirating gastric contents
• C. When flow of medication by gravity slows
• D. After each medication and prior to administering each medication and after giving multiple medications

Answer: (D)

Flushing maintains tube patency and helps ensure the full dose is delivered. You should instill 15–30 mL of water before each medication to prime the tube, and again after each medication to push the drug through and clear the lumen. If multiple medications are given in the same session, flush after finishing the last medication to clear any remaining drug from the tube. This helps prevent clogging and ensures all meds are delivered as intended.

Flushing maintains tube patency and helps ensure the full dose is delivered. You should instill 15–30 mL of water before each medication to prime the tube, and again after each medication to push the drug through and clear the lumen. If multiple medications are given in the same session, flush after finishing the last medication to clear any remaining drug from the tube. This helps prevent clogging and ensures all meds are delivered as intended.