Skin care around a feeding tube site should be accomplished by cleaning with which?

• A. Alcohol
• B. Iodine-povidone
• C. Mild soap and water
• D. Hydrogen peroxide

Answer: (C)

Maintaining a clean area around a feeding tube should protect the skin’s natural barrier while removing secretions and preventing infection. Gentle cleansing with mild soap and water accomplishes this: it removes debris and bacteria without irritating or drying the skin, supporting normal healing and barrier function.

Harsh antiseptics can irritate or damage delicate skin around the tube. Alcohol-based cleaners dry the skin and can worsen irritation; hydrogen peroxide can be cytotoxic to healthy tissue and slow healing; iodine-based solutions can leave residue and cause irritation in some patients. Therefore, mild soap and water is the most appropriate routine cleansing approach for the tube site, with patting the area dry after washing.