Passing a Flatus Tube Procedure

Purpose
• To decrease flatulence (sever abdominal distention)
• Before giving a retention enema

Procedure
• Place the patient in left. Lateral position
• Lubricate the tube about 15 cm
• Separate the rectum and insert 12-15 cm in to the rectum and tape it
• Connect the free end to extra tubing by the glass connector
• The end of the tube should reach the (tape H2O) solution in the bowel
• The amount of air passed can be seen bubbling through the solution (a funnel may be connected to free end of tube and placed in an antiseptic solution in bowel)
• Teach client to avoid substances that cause flatulent
• Leave the rectal tube in place for a period or no longer than 20 minute – can affect the ability to voluntarily control the sphincter if placement is prolonged
• Reinsert the rectal tube every 2-3 hrs if the distention has been unrelieved or reaccumulates – allows gas to move in the direction of the rectum.