In immunocompromised patients, what should be used for flushing an enteral tube?

• A. Sterile water only
• B. Tap water
• C. Saline solution
• D. Bacteriostatic water

Answer: (A)

In immunocompromised patients, preventing infection from every fluid introduced via the tube is crucial. Flushing the tube with a sterile, non-preserved fluid minimizes the chance of introducing microorganisms or additives into the GI tract. Sterile water fits this need perfectly: it is free of contaminants and preservatives, reducing infection risk if the contents are aspirated or absorbed. Tap water is not sterile and can carry bacteria and other pathogens, which is why it’s not appropriate for these high-risk patients. Bacteriostatic water contains antimicrobial additives that aren’t intended for enteral use and could cause adverse effects if absorbed, so it’s not suitable for flushing. Sterile saline is also sterile, but the lack of preservatives in sterile water makes it the preferred option when aiming to minimize infection risk in this population.