High residuals can indicate gastroparesis and intolerance to advancement to higher volume of formula.

Check before each feeding, before administration of medication, or every 4 hr for continuous feeding.

1. Using 60-mL syringe, withdraw from gastric feeding tube any residual formula that may remain in stomach.
• If residual volume <30 mL, reinstill aspirate and flush with 30 mL of water.
2. If residual volume is greater than predetermined amount (usually >100 mL), stomach is not emptying properly, and next feeding is withheld and rechecked in 1 hr. Do not reinstill aspirate obtained for measurement.
3. If residuals are still high after 1 hr, notify physician.

Tube Feeding—Complications