nasogastric tube
SOmetimes, a client may not be able to take in nutrition by mouth and instead will need to take them in via tubes like nasogastric tubes, gastrostomy tube or an intestinal tube. Here are a few things to know when giving medication through a tube.
Instructions
1. MAke sure the prescription is complete
As with any medication order, the first thing you should do is make sure the order is okay and that it will not interact with the enteral feeding. If a reaction could occur, then stop the feeding 1 to 2 hours before you give the medication. Then wait for the same amount of time before you resume the feeding.
2. Determine if the medications need to be crushed
Its best to give medications through a tube in liquid form. SO crush the medication as long as they are not extended release medicines,enteric coated, buccal or sublingual medications. After crushing, gather your supplies and go to the clients room.
3. Liquify the medication
Once you re at the bdeside, introduce yourself to the client, identify the patient using 2 identifiers and then explain what you are about to do. Mix the crushed ,medication in in 15 ml to 30 ml of water seperately.
4. Verify placement of tubes
Put on gloves here.Before giving medication through a nasugastric tube, you need to check placement to make sure the tube is in the stomach by aspirating gastric contents and doing a litmus test to make sure the content you aspirated is indeed acidic. Next check for gastric residual( amount of feeding in the stomach).
5. Give the medication
Using a syringe, draw up the medication and give them one after the other. You will need to flush the tube with 15-30ml of water between each medication administration.
6. Flush the tube and document
After giving all of the medication, flush the tube with 30 to 60 ml of water. Clear away all your supplies, discard your gloves and wash your hands. Then document the medication you gave and the clients response to the medication
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