If there is drainage from the feeding tube site, what is the recommended practice regarding dressings?

• A. Dressings needed
• B. Dressings not needed
• C. Dressings only if infected
• D. Dressings required during hospital stay

Answer: (A)

When there is drainage from a feeding tube site, a dressing is needed to protect the skin and manage moisture. Drainage can irritate or macerate the surrounding skin and raise infection risk, so applying a clean dressing helps absorb the fluid and provide a barrier against contamination. Use a sterile or clean nonadherent dressing around the site and change it promptly when it becomes wet or dirty, with routine changes at least daily or per facility protocol. Keep the area clean and dry before redressing, and monitor for signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, or foul drainage, and address those promptly with the care team.