Question

Student to state the safety checks that they would take before administration of feeding solution via the nasogastric tube.

Answer 1

Nasogastric tube feeding is a method of supplying nutrients into the gastrointestinal tract. Before administering each feeding or medication students should get support from senior nursing staff to increase the safety precautions. The nurse should check the patient name, diet order, restriction, etc. Before administering each medication nurse should make sure the tube is located into the stomach and make sure taping is secured. wear gloves as a standard aseptic precaution. To check the position of the tube nurse should aspirate the syringe and aspirate 0.5 - 1ml of gastric content and use PH indicator strips and make documentation whether the tube is in the gastrointestinal tract. Use 10-20 ml syringe and insufflate 1-5ml of air into the tube, it clear the residual fluid inside the tube and wait for 15minutes.
To administer feeds nurses must check the position of the tube first. Then they should make the patient in an upright position or 30-45degree during feeding and 30 minutes after the feed to avoid aspiration. Hold the syringe straight and pour the prescribed amount of feed into the syringe. let it go slow and pour the prescribed amount of water into the syringe to flush the tube properly. Close the clamp after each feeding. Do not mix the medication with food. Flushing is an important action that can provide a life for the nasogastric tube. Document the patient condition whether the patient tolerated the feed or any vomiting and aspiration during and after the feeding.