Which intervention is recommended to prevent tube occlusion associated with GRV assessment?

• A. Inject 30 mL air prior to GRV and flush 30 mL water after
• B. Inject 60 mL air
• C. Hold feedings for 2 hours
• D. Instill 10 mL air

Answer: (A)

Preventing tube occlusion during GRV assessment relies on keeping the feeding tube patent by dislodging contents and clearing debris. Instilling a measured amount of air before you aspirate helps to loosen gastric contents and open the lumen, making the subsequent aspiration more effective. Then flushing with a measured amount of water after the GRV check pushes any remaining debris through the tube and re-establishes patency, reducing the risk of blockage from formulas or gastric secretions. Using both steps—the air bolus prior to aspiration and the water flush after—addresses both dislodgement and debris clearance. Merely using air or delaying feeds doesn’t directly prevent occlusion during the procedure, so combining air before and a water flush after is the most effective approach.