You are caring for a patient with a gastrostomy tube. The patient complains of pain around the tube, and states that the surrounding area has been sore for a few days. Your physical exam reveals red, swollen skin around the G tube that is warm to the touch. You suspect:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described suggest an infection at the insertion site of the G tube. The redness, swelling, and warmth are all signs of inflammation, while the patient's pain could be caused by irritation from the infection. Obstruction and dislodgment of the tube may cause pain and discomfort, but they would not typically cause the skin around the G tube to become inflamed. It is also not appropriate to assume the patient is not caring properly for the device before ruling out an infection or other medical issue. Therefore, the best choice is B, an infection at the insertion site.

You Are Caring for a Patient with a Gastrostomy Tube