NG tube Flashcards
Why do we use NG tubes?
Deliver nutrients to patients
Remove gastric contents by gravity or suction
Lavage (irrigation of stomach)
What does NG tubes do?
Decompress GI tract
Internal application of pressure by means of an inflated balloon to prevent internal esophageal of GI hemorrhage
Lumen for NG tubes?
Hollow lumen that allows removal of gastric secretions and introduction of solutions into stomach
Levin: single lumen tube with holes near the tip
Salem sump: double lumen, one for liquid and one for air
Is NG insertion in Lpn scope?
No insertion in RN scope and removal is Lpn scope
Why do we use NG suction?
Prevent vomiting/aspiration
Remove fluids/gas
Decrease strain on internal sutures
Increase ventilation
When do you use NG suction?
Post op abdominal surgery
And length of time depends bowel sounds
When do we use NG lavage?
Irrigation of stomach in cases of active bleeding, poisoning or gastric dilation
Role of Lpn in NG tube management?
Ensure right positioning Correct setting -intermittent/continuous Monitor output Mouth and nostril care HOB 30 degrees Empty every shift Charting Pt teaching
NG feeds?
Enteral nutrition
-the administration of nutrients directly into GI tract
Goal: restore nutritional status
When can you use an NG tube?
Not until placement is confirmed
•x-Ray (verified by physician)
•aspiration of gastric contents and test pH
How to confirm placement of NG tube?
Check external markings on the tube and colour of the pH of the fluid aspirated from the tube
Do not instill air
Patient resp effort is unchallenged, patient is not gagging
How much fluid do you aspirate to check pH?
5-10 mL
Gastric pH is between 1-4
Intestinal pH is 6
When do we remove NG tubes?
When no longer required
-bowel sounds
-absence of N/V
Verify physician order
What to document about removal?
All relevant information
- record removal
- amount and appearance of any drainage
- relevant assessments
- pt response
- pt teaching
What is an NG tube?
Flexible plastic tube through the nares, down the pharynx and into the stomach or upper portion of small intestine