Which statement describes the use of a jejunostomy (J) tube?

Which statement describes the use of a jejunostomy (J) tube?

• A. Short-term feeding
• B. Long-term feeding for patients unable to receive food by mouth
• C. Gas removal
• D. Medication administration into the stomach

Answer: (B)

A jejunostomy tube is used for long-term enteral feeding by delivering nutrition directly into the jejunum, bypassing the stomach. This setup is ideal for patients who cannot take food by mouth or who cannot tolerate gastric feeding because it reduces the risk of aspiration and supports ongoing nutrition when oral intake isn’t feasible. It’s placed to provide sustained feeding therapy, often after surgery or in conditions where the stomach’s function or safety is compromised. It is not used for removing gas, and feeding into the stomach would involve a different type of tube rather than a jejunostomy.

A jejunostomy tube is used for long-term enteral feeding by delivering nutrition directly into the jejunum, bypassing the stomach. This setup is ideal for patients who cannot take food by mouth or who cannot tolerate gastric feeding because it reduces the risk of aspiration and supports ongoing nutrition when oral intake isn’t feasible. It’s placed to provide sustained feeding therapy, often after surgery or in conditions where the stomach’s function or safety is compromised. It is not used for removing gas, and feeding into the stomach would involve a different type of tube rather than a jejunostomy.