When a resident with a feeding tube is scheduled for a shower?

According to numerous care protocols, the most appropriate response when a resident with a feeding tube is scheduled for a shower is to take specific precautions to protect the equipment and the insertion site. This process requires careful planning and execution to ensure the resident’s safety, hygiene, and the integrity of their feeding system. Proper care involves coordinating hygiene tasks with feeding schedules and using waterproof protection for tube sites and pumps.

Quick Summary

The process for bathing a resident with a feeding tube includes pausing continuous feeds, protecting the stoma site with a waterproof dressing, and covering pumps to prevent water damage. Caregivers must ensure the environment is safe, use mild soap for cleaning, and gently pat the area dry, followed by careful inspection of the tube site for any irritation or signs of infection.

Key Points

• Pre-Shower Preparation: Always pause continuous feeding and gather all necessary supplies before beginning the shower process.

• Waterproof Protection: Protect the feeding pump and the stoma site using waterproof barriers like sealed plastic bags for pumps and specialized dressings for the insertion site.

• Controlled Washing: Use a handheld shower head or position the resident with their back to the water spray to prevent direct water impact on the feeding tube site.

• Gentle Cleaning: Clean the surrounding skin with mild soap and pat the area completely dry after the shower to prevent irritation and infection.

• Post-Shower Inspection: Carefully inspect the feeding tube site for any signs of redness, swelling, or drainage before applying a fresh dressing and restarting the feed.

Essential Preparations for Showering a Resident with a Feeding Tube

Proper preparation is the cornerstone of a safe showering experience for a resident with a feeding tube. This process requires not only the right equipment but also a methodical approach to ensure the resident's comfort and prevent complications such as infection or tube displacement. Before entering the shower, the caregiver must communicate with the resident, gather necessary supplies, and confirm that the feeding tube and equipment are properly secured for the procedure.

Communicating with the Resident

• Inform the Resident: Clearly explain the showering process step-by-step to help the resident feel more comfortable and cooperative, especially if they are confused or anxious.
• Assess Comfort: Ask the resident about their comfort level, whether they have any pain around the tube site, or any special requests regarding their shower.

Preparing Equipment and Supplies

• Gather Materials: Collect all needed items, including clean washcloths, mild soap, fresh towels, a clean dressing or waterproof cover, and any prescribed ointments. Ensure the shower chair or bench is clean and available.
• Pause Continuous Feeding: If the resident is on a continuous feed, pause the feeding pump before moving to the shower. This prevents complications like aspiration or leakage.
• Protect the Pump: If a feeding pump is used, it should be protected from water. Placing the pump and control unit inside a sealed plastic bag is the most appropriate response.
• Waterproof the Site: For G-tubes with a healed stoma, the site may be washed with soap and water, but for less mature sites or those with dressings, a waterproof barrier is essential. Special transparent waterproof dressings or plastic wrap sealed with medical tape can be used.
• Ensure Tube Security: Check that the tube is securely taped or fastened to the resident’s body to prevent accidental pulling or dislodgment during the move to the shower.

Step-by-Step Showering Procedure

Following a set procedure minimizes risks and ensures a consistent standard of care. From entering the shower to drying off, each step is designed with resident safety and tube integrity in mind.

During the Shower

1. Transfer Safely: Use proper lifting and transfer techniques to move the resident to the shower area. If a shower chair is used, ensure the brakes are locked.
2. Control Water Flow: Use a handheld shower head to direct water away from the feeding tube insertion site and pump. If a handheld shower is unavailable, position the resident with their back to the shower spray.
3. Clean with Care: Use a mild soap and a soft washcloth to gently clean the resident's skin. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing directly on the tube site, even if it is waterproofed. The tube itself can be gently washed.
4. Inspect the Site: During cleaning, take a moment to visually inspect the skin around the tube site for any signs of redness, swelling, or irritation.

Post-Shower Care and Monitoring

1. Thoroughly Dry the Area: After the shower, use a clean, dry towel to pat the resident's skin, including the area around the tube site, completely dry. Any dampness can promote bacterial growth. A Q-tip can be used for hard-to-reach areas under the bumper.
2. Inspect and Re-dress: Remove the old waterproof dressing. Inspect the tube site again for any signs of complications. Apply a fresh, clean, dry dressing as needed or prescribed.
3. Restart Feed: If the resident's feeding was paused, restart the pump and ensure the infusion is flowing correctly. Elevate the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees to reduce the risk of aspiration.

Comparison of Feeding Tube Protection Methods

Protection Method	Pros	Cons	Best for
Waterproof Medical Dressing	Provides a secure, breathable, waterproof barrier. Leaves no sticky residue.	Can be costly. Not all sizes fit perfectly. Requires proper application for a complete seal.	Healed stoma sites that require daily showering.
Plastic Wrap + Tape	Inexpensive and readily available. Can be customized for size.	Less breathable than specialized dressings. Adhesion may fail, risking water exposure.	Temporary protection or for emergency situations.
G-Tube Belt/Cover	Provides extra support and prevents tugging. Can be used in conjunction with a waterproof dressing.	Offers little to no waterproofing on its own. Requires proper sizing for a snug, but not restrictive, fit.	Active residents or to provide extra security, especially post-showering.
Handheld Shower Head	Allows for precise water direction, easily avoiding the tube site.	Requires a caregiver or resident to hold it. May not be available in all facilities.	Independent or semi-independent residents who can control water flow.

Conclusion

Showering a resident with a feeding tube is a manageable and safe process with the right knowledge and attention to detail. The key elements are prioritizing the resident's safety and comfort, and meticulously protecting the feeding tube and its insertion site from water damage and infection. By following standardized protocols, caregivers can provide essential personal hygiene while minimizing risks. Routine inspection of the site before and after bathing is crucial for monitoring healing and preventing complications. Consistent communication and a calm, reassuring approach will also make the experience more dignified and less stressful for the resident.

Learn More about Medical Device Care

For additional resources on caring for individuals with feeding tubes and other medical devices, the American College of Surgeons offers comprehensive home management information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a resident with a feeding tube take a shower?

Yes, in most cases, a resident with a healed feeding tube site can take a shower. It is important to follow facility protocols or a doctor's orders, especially concerning how long after insertion a shower is permitted.

How do you protect a feeding tube from water?

To protect a feeding tube from water, you can use a waterproof medical dressing specifically designed for tube sites, or create a barrier with plastic wrap and waterproof medical tape. The feeding pump itself should be covered with a waterproof bag.

Should feeding be paused during a shower?

Yes, if the resident is on a continuous infusion, the feeding should be paused before the shower. This prevents complications, particularly aspiration, and allows for safer movement and management of the tube.

What is the proper way to clean a G-tube site after a shower?

After showering, the area around the G-tube should be patted completely dry with a clean towel. Use mild soap and warm water to gently clean the area, then check for any redness or drainage before applying a fresh dressing as instructed by a healthcare provider.

What should I do if the feeding tube accidentally gets wet?

If the feeding tube site or pump accidentally gets wet, pat the area dry immediately with a clean towel. Inspect the site for any signs of skin irritation and change the dressing if one is used. Continue to monitor the area for any signs of infection.

When should a bed bath be given instead of a shower?

A bed bath may be necessary if the resident is not medically cleared for a shower, has a new or unhealed tube insertion site, or if the resident expresses discomfort or refusal.

What are the signs of a problem with a feeding tube site?

Signs of a problem include persistent redness, swelling, pain, purulent (yellow or green) drainage, or excessive leakage from the insertion site. Report these signs to a nurse or healthcare provider immediately.