Which of the following are current practice recommendations to maintain feeding tube patency in the adult patient?

• A. Flush with 15 mL before, between and after medication administration
• B. Flush with 30 mL of water every 4 hours during continuous feeding and before and after intermittent feedings
• C. Flush with 30 mL of water after gastric residual volume measurements
• D. Flushing is not necessary

Answer: (B)

Maintaining feeding tube patency relies on regular flushing with water to clear residual formula and medications from the lumen. For adults, the recommended practice is to flush with 30 mL of water at key times: every 4 hours during continuous feeding and before and after intermittent feedings. This volume is large enough to effectively clear the line without overloading the stomach, helping to prevent clogging and ensure safe administration of feeds and medications. The other options fall short: a smaller volume (15 mL) is less reliable for preventing occlusion, and flushing only after gastric residual measurements does not provide the ongoing patency protection needed during continuous or intermittent feeds. Flushing is a standard, necessary step in enteral care to keep the tube functioning.