Which practice should be taught regarding external bolsters around a feeding tube site?

Which practice should be taught regarding external bolsters around a feeding tube site?

• A. Clean under external bolsters to remove debris and check for excessive pressure
• B. Clean only the outside of bolsters
• C. Remove bolsters during bathing
• D. Do not touch bolsters

Answer: (A)

The important idea is protecting the skin around a feeding tube site while keeping the tube secure by routinely inspecting and cleaning the area under the external bolsters. Debris and moisture can accumulate under the bolsters, which increases infection risk and can irritate or macerate the skin. Cleaning under the bolsters helps remove this debris and allows you to detect any signs of excessive pressure from the bolsters, which can lead to skin breakdown or tissue damage if left unchecked. By ensuring there isn’t too much pressure and that the site remains clean and dry, you maintain skin integrity and keep the tube securely in place. Cleaning only the outside misses debris that can build up underneath, and removing bolsters during bathing can compromise tube security and increase the risk of dislodgement. Not touching the bolsters prevents monitoring the skin and the fit, which is counterproductive to preventing complications.

The important idea is protecting the skin around a feeding tube site while keeping the tube secure by routinely inspecting and cleaning the area under the external bolsters. Debris and moisture can accumulate under the bolsters, which increases infection risk and can irritate or macerate the skin. Cleaning under the bolsters helps remove this debris and allows you to detect any signs of excessive pressure from the bolsters, which can lead to skin breakdown or tissue damage if left unchecked. By ensuring there isn’t too much pressure and that the site remains clean and dry, you maintain skin integrity and keep the tube securely in place.

Cleaning only the outside misses debris that can build up underneath, and removing bolsters during bathing can compromise tube security and increase the risk of dislodgement. Not touching the bolsters prevents monitoring the skin and the fit, which is counterproductive to preventing complications.