Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

When should a feeding tube be flushed?

1. Before and after medication

2. Only before food

3. Only after medication

4. Every six hours

The correct answer is: Before and after medication

Flushing a feeding tube before and after medication is essential to ensure that the tube remains patent (open), to prevent clogging, and to allow for effective absorption of the medication. Flushing before administration helps clear any residual formula that may be in the tube, providing a clean pathway for the medication. Flushing after medication helps to ensure that all of the medication is delivered and helps to prevent any buildup of medication remnants within the tube. This practice is important for maintaining the functionality of the feeding tube and ensuring the patient's safety and optimal treatment. The other options do not cover the comprehensive need for maintaining the integrity of the feeding tube. Flushing only before food would not address the necessity to clear the tube after medication has been administered. Similarly, only flushing after medication would neglect the potential blockages caused by formula. Flushing every six hours does not take into account individual patient needs or the timing of feeding and medication administration, making it less effective in practice.