CARE OF PATIENTS WITH SPECIAL MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Question 1

What are nasogastric tubes and their uses?

Answer 1

• Nasogastric tubes are inserted through the nasopharynx into the stomach, duodenum, or jejunum.
• They are used for
• diagnostic examinations,
• feeding, administering medications,
• treating intestinal obstruction, and controlling bleeding.

Question 2

What precautions should be taken with patients who have nasogastric tubes?

Answer 2

Precautionary measures should be taken not to dislodge the tubes, and infection prevention measures should be observed.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a chest drain?

Answer 3

• A chest drain is used to remove air or fluids from the pleural space
• prevent air and fluid from re-entering the pleural space,
• restore negative pressure in the pleural space to re-expand the lungs.

Question 4

What are nasoenteric tubes and their uses?

Answer 4

• Nasoenteric tubes are inserted similarly to nasogastric tubes but pass into the duodenum and small intestine by peristalsis.
• They are used for decompression (removal of gas and secretions by suction), diagnosis, and treatment purposes.

Question 5

What is a tracheostomy and its purpose?

Answer 5

• A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening into the trachea to provide a temporary or permanent airway.
• It is done to relieve respiratory distress,
• improve respiratory function,
• provide controlled respiration with a ventilator.

Question 6

What precautions should be taken with patients who have a tracheostomy?

Answer 6

• Observe infection prevention protocols
• be supportive
• ensure frequent suctioning to keep the tube free of secretions.

Question 7

What is a colostomy and its purpose?

Answer 7

• A colostomy is a surgically created opening between the large intestine and the abdominal wall, allowing contents to empty into a colostomy bag. It can be temporary or permanent.

Question 8

How is a colostomy bag attached and managed?

Answer 8

• The bag is kept in contact with the abdominal wall by a self-adhesive plaque.
• A hole in the plaque fits around the stoma, and the bag attaches firmly to the plaque with a flange.
• The bag may be drainable and emptied as needed or replaced every three days.

Question 9

What precautions should be taken with patients who have a colostomy?

Answer 9

• Observe infection prevention protocols, be supportive and sensitive to the patient’s emotional state,
• ensure the skin around the stoma is kept clean and protected.

Question 10

What is an ileostomy and its purpose?

Answer 10

• An ileostomy is a surgical operation that brings the ileum to an opening on the surface of the abdomen,
• allowing faecal material to drain outside.
• It is usually permanent.

Question 11

How is an ileostomy bag managed?

Answer 11

The arrangement is similar to a colostomy, with a plastic stoma bag containing the faecal matter, kept in place by a self-adhesive plaque and flange.

Question 12

What is the role of radiographers in caring for patients with colostomy or ileostomy?

Answer 12

• Radiographers should have a positive attitude, provide consideration, understanding, and reassurance, observe infection prevention measures,
• keep the skin clean and protected, and assist with stoma bag management.
• Provision of new stoma bags.
• Provision of privacy and the use of a toilet.
• Provision of washing facilities.
• Assistance as required with emptying stoma bags,
  renewing stoma bags, washing the stoma.