What is the recommended practice when administering medications via an enteral tube to minimize risk?

• A. Flush before and after every medication
• B. Administer all meds undiluted
• C. Wait 60 minutes between meds with no flush
• D. Use the same syringe without cleaning

Answer: (A)

Maintaining tube patency is essential when delivering meds via an enteral tube. Flushing before and after every medication clears the path, prevents blockage from drug residues, and reduces the chance of cross-contact or poor absorption between consecutive drugs. It helps ensure the full, intended dose reaches the stomach rather than adhering to the tube. Administering medications undiluted increases the risk of clogging and mucosal irritation; waiting a long time between meds with no flush can allow residues to interact or block the tube; using the same syringe without cleaning raises contamination and infection risks. For these reasons, flushing before and after each medication is the best practice to minimize risk.