How To Use A Mic-key Feeding Tube?

How to Use a Mic-Key Feeding Tube

A Mic-Key feeding tube is a small, flexible tube that is inserted through the nose or mouth and into the stomach. It is used to provide nutrition and hydration to people who are unable to eat or drink normally.

Mic-Key tubes are often used in people who have difficulty swallowing, such as those with cerebral palsy or stroke. They can also be used in people who are recovering from surgery or who have other medical conditions that make it difficult to eat or drink.

Using a Mic-Key tube is a simple process, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid complications. In this article, we will discuss how to use a Mic-Key tube, including how to insert the tube, how to care for the tube, and how to troubleshoot problems.

We will also provide tips on how to make the process of using a Mic-Key tube as comfortable as possible for both the patient and the caregiver.

Step	Instructions	Image
1	Wash your hands with soap and water.
2	Prepare the feeding tube according to the package directions.
3	Position the patient comfortably in a sitting or reclining position.
4	Lubricate the end of the feeding tube with a water-soluble lubricant.
5	Gently insert the feeding tube through the patient’s nose into their stomach.
6	Secure the feeding tube in place with medical tape.
7	Attach the feeding bag to the feeding tube and begin the feeding.
8	Monitor the patient for any signs of complications, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.

How To Use A Mic-key Feeding Tube?

A Mic-key feeding tube is a long, thin tube that is inserted through the nose or mouth and into the stomach. It is used to provide nutrition and medication to people who are unable to eat or drink by mouth.

Mic-key tubes are typically used for people who have difficulty swallowing, such as those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, or head injury. They can also be used for people who are temporarily unable to eat or drink, such as those who are recovering from surgery or who have a severe illness.

Choosing the Right Mic-key Feeding Tube

There are a few different factors to consider when choosing a Mic-key feeding tube.

• Size: The size of the tube is determined by the diameter of the tube. The most common sizes are 14 French (Fr) and 16 Fr. The smaller the number, the smaller the diameter of the tube.
• Length: The length of the tube is determined by the distance from the nose or mouth to the stomach. The most common lengths are 12 inches and 14 inches.
• Material: Mic-key tubes are typically made of silicone or polyurethane. Silicone tubes are more flexible and comfortable, but they are also more expensive. Polyurethane tubes are less flexible, but they are less likely to cause irritation.

Preparing the Mic-key Feeding Tube

Before you insert a Mic-key feeding tube, you will need to prepare the tube and your patient.

• Wash your hands: Washing your hands will help to prevent the spread of infection.
• Gather your supplies: You will need the following supplies:
• A Mic-key feeding tube
• A sterile water bottle
• A syringe
• A pair of gloves
• Adhesive tape
• Open the package: Carefully open the package containing the Mic-key feeding tube.
• Attach the extension set: The extension set is a tube that connects the Mic-key feeding tube to the feeding bag. To attach the extension set, first remove the cap from the end of the Mic-key feeding tube. Then, insert the end of the extension set into the Mic-key feeding tube.

Inserting the Mic-key Feeding Tube

Once you have prepared the Mic-key feeding tube, you can insert it into your patient.

• Position your patient: Your patient should be sitting up or lying down with their head tilted back.
• Lubricate the tip of the tube: Lubricate the tip of the tube with sterile water to make it easier to insert.
• Insert the tube: Gently insert the tube through the nose or mouth and into the stomach. You may need to use a little pressure to insert the tube, but do not force it. If you encounter resistance, stop and try again.
• Secure the tube: Once the tube is in place, secure it to your patient’s face with adhesive tape.

Caring for the Mic-key Feeding Tube

Once the Mic-key feeding tube is in place, you will need to care for it to prevent infection.

• Wash your hands before and after touching the tube.
• Change the dressing around the tube every 24 hours.
• Inspect the tube for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or drainage.
• If you see any signs of infection, contact your doctor.

Removing the Mic-key Feeding Tube

When your patient is no longer able to use the Mic-key feeding tube, it will need to be removed.

• Wash your hands.
• Gently remove the adhesive tape securing the tube to your patient’s face.
• Grasp the end of the tube and slowly pull it out of your patient’s nose or mouth.
• Dispose of the tube in a biohazard container.

A Mic-key feeding tube can be a helpful tool for people who are unable to eat or drink by mouth. By following these instructions, you can safely and effectively insert, care for, and remove a Mic-key feeding tube.

Inserting the Mic-key Feeding Tube

Choosing the insertion site

The Mic-key feeding tube can be inserted into either the nose or the stomach. The nose is the most common insertion site, as it is less invasive and easier to care for. However, the stomach is sometimes used in cases where the nose is not a viable option, such as when the patient has a deviated septum or a nasal polyp.

To choose the insertion site, the healthcare provider will consider the following factors:

• The patient’s preference
• The patient’s medical history
• The patient’s ability to cooperate with the procedure

Measuring the insertion site

Once the insertion site has been chosen, the healthcare provider will measure the distance from the nares (nostrils) to the stomach. This measurement is used to determine the length of the tube that will be inserted.

Inserting the tube

The Mic-key feeding tube is inserted using a sterile technique. The healthcare provider will clean the insertion site with an antiseptic solution and then numb the area with a local anesthetic. The tube is then inserted through the nares and into the stomach. Once the tube is in place, the healthcare provider will secure it with tape or a skin adhesive.

Aftercare

After the Mic-key feeding tube has been inserted, the patient will need to be monitored for signs of complications, such as bleeding, infection, or dislodgement of the tube. The patient will also need to learn how to care for the tube, including cleaning it, changing the extension set, and replacing the tube if it becomes dislodged.

Caring for the Mic-key Feeding Tube

Cleaning the tube

The Mic-key feeding tube should be cleaned at least once a day with a mild soap and water. The tube should also be cleaned after each feeding. To clean the tube, follow these steps:

1. Rinse the tube with warm water.
2. Apply a small amount of mild soap to the tube.
3. Gently scrub the tube with your fingers.
4. Rinse the tube thoroughly with warm water.
5. Dry the tube with a clean towel.

Changing the extension set

The extension set should be changed every 24 hours. To change the extension set, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Remove the old extension set by unscrewing it from the tube.
3. Clean the end of the tube with a mild soap and water.
4. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the end of the tube.
5. Screw the new extension set onto the tube.

Replacing the tube

The Mic-key feeding tube should be replaced if it becomes dislodged, damaged, or infected. To replace the tube, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Gather the following supplies:

• A new Mic-key feeding tube
• A sterile drape
• A local anesthetic
• A syringe
• A sterile saline solution
• Tape or a skin adhesive

3. Prepare the insertion site by cleaning it with an antiseptic solution and then numbing it with a local anesthetic.
4. Insert the new tube using the same technique that was used to insert the original tube.
5. Secure the tube with tape or a skin adhesive.
6. Monitor the patient for signs of complications, such as bleeding, infection, or dislodgement of the tube.

The Mic-key feeding tube is a safe and effective way to provide nutrition and hydration to patients who are unable to eat or drink orally. By following the instructions in this guide, you can help ensure that your patient is able to use the Mic-key feeding tube safely and effectively.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• [Mic-key Feeding Tube Instructions](https://www.mckesson.com/content/dam/McKesson/Product%20Instructions/Nutrition/Mic-key%20Feeding%20Tube%20Instructions.pdf)
• [Mic-key Feeding Tube Care Guide](https://www.scdhealthcare.org/wp-content/uploads/Mic-key-Feeding-Tube-Care-Guide.pdf)
• [Mic-key Feeding Tube FAQs](https://www.medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000495.htm)

  How do I insert a Mic-key feeding tube?

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Gather the supplies you will need: a Mic-key feeding tube, a skin barrier, sterile water, and a clean towel.
3. Place the patient in a comfortable position, such as lying on their back or side.
4. Cleanse the insertion site with sterile water.
5. Peel the backing off of the skin barrier and apply it to the insertion site.
6. Insert the Mic-key feeding tube through the skin barrier and into the stomach.
7. Secure the tube in place with medical tape.

How do I care for a Mic-key feeding tube?

1. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after each time you care for the tube.
2. Keep the insertion site clean and dry.
3. Change the skin barrier every 24 hours or as needed.
4. Flush the tube with sterile water every 4-6 hours to prevent clogging.
5. Monitor the tube for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or drainage.

What are the risks of using a Mic-key feeding tube?

There are some risks associated with using a Mic-key feeding tube, including:

• Infection
• Blockage of the tube
• Leakage of stomach contents
• Skin irritation
• Gastrointestinal problems

It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using a Mic-key feeding tube before making a decision.

What are the benefits of using a Mic-key feeding tube?

A Mic-key feeding tube can provide a number of benefits, including:

• The ability to provide nutrition and hydration when oral intake is not possible
• The ability to maintain weight and growth
• The ability to free up the hands for other activities
• The ability to participate in social activities

If you are considering using a Mic-key feeding tube, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks to see if it is right for you.

using a Mic-key feeding tube can be a safe and effective way to provide nutrition to people who are unable to eat or drink on their own. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and to clean the tube regularly to prevent infection. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your loved one is able to receive the nutrition they need to stay healthy and strong.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Mic-key feeding tubes are small, flexible tubes that are inserted into the stomach through the nose or mouth.
• They are used to provide nutrition to people who are unable to eat or drink on their own.
• Mic-key feeding tubes can be used for short-term or long-term feeding.
• It is important to follow the instructions carefully and to clean the tube regularly to prevent infection.
• By following these steps, you can help ensure that your loved one is able to receive the nutrition they need to stay healthy and strong.