Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

When should a feeding tube be flushed?

1. Only before medication

2. Only after medication

3. Before and after medication

4. Once every 24 hours

The correct answer is: Before and after medication

Flushing a feeding tube before and after medication administration is essential to ensure that the tube is clear and to help prevent blockages. When medications are given through a feeding tube, flushing before administration helps to clear any residue that may be in the tube from previous feedings or medications. This is crucial for ensuring that the patient receives the full dose of the medication without any residual blockage or interference. Flushing after medication administration is equally important as it helps to clear the medication from the tube, preventing any remnants from staying behind and ensuring that the entire dose has been delivered to the patient. Additionally, this practice helps maintain tube patency, reducing the risk of clogs or blockages that can occur over time. Using this method also supports overall patient safety and care by ensuring that the medication is effectively delivered and that the feeding tube remains functional. Following this flush protocol is a recognized standard in clinical practice for maintaining feeding tubes and administering medications properly.