Before nasogastric tube irrigation, ensure you have the necessary supplies, including sterile saline or appropriate irrigation solution. Verify the placement of the nasogastric tube by checking the residual volume and pH of gastric contents, if indicated. Additionally, assess the patient’s condition and explain the procedure to them for comfort and cooperation. Finally, wash your hands and don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to maintain hygiene.
A nasogastric tube is inserted from the nose to the stomach on the day of surgery or during surgery to remove gastric secretions and prevent nausea and vomiting.
To check nasogastric (NG) tube feeding residual, first, gather the necessary supplies, including a syringe and a container for collecting the residual. Gently aspirate the contents from the NG tube using a syringe, taking care not to apply too much pressure. Measure the volume of the aspirated contents, and if it exceeds the recommended residual threshold (usually 100-250 mL, depending on facility guidelines), consult with a healthcare provider before continuing the feeding. After measuring, return the aspirated contents to the stomach unless contraindicated.
The abbreviation NG is for nasogastric or nanogram.
For nasogastric tube insertion, the essential equipment includes a nasogastric tube of appropriate size, a water-soluble lubricant, a syringe for aspirating gastric contents, and a stethoscope to confirm proper placement. Additionally, you'll need adhesive tape to secure the tube, a towel or emesis basin for patient comfort, and gloves for hygiene. A suction device may also be required if the tube is intended for gastric decompression.
For putting a naso gastric tube keep the patient propped up or in a sitting position. Take a well lubricated naso gastric tube and pass it down the nose. Ask the patient to swallow when it is in the throat and push it down on swallowing. You can give the patient a glass of water to sip to help him to swallow and keep pushing the tube. Aspirate to get bile and stomach contents and check with litmus paper to make sure it is in the stomach. Alternatively, you can check the position with a plain X-ray to check the tip before any feeding.
Nasoduodenal tube feeding involves placing a tube through the nose into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, which can be beneficial for patients with delayed gastric emptying or those who cannot tolerate gastric feeding. In contrast, nasogastric tube feeding delivers nutrition directly into the stomach and is suitable for patients with normal gastric function. Nasoduodenal feeding may reduce the risk of aspiration and reflux, while nasogastric feeds are generally easier to place and manage. The choice between the two depends on the patient's medical condition and nutritional needs.
Gavage is the medical term meaning process of feeding through a nasogastric tube into the stomach.
Another name for a nasogastric tube is a "NG tube." It is a flexible tube inserted through the nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach, commonly used for feeding or administering medications.
Nasogastric tube drainage refers to the process of using a tube inserted through the nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach to remove gastric contents. This type of drainage is typically used for decompression of the stomach, removal of gastric secretions, or in preparation for surgery. It can also be employed for feeding patients who are unable to swallow. The drainage can be either continuous or intermittent, depending on the clinical need.
In cases of gastric distension with an unresponsive patient, the preferred method for gastric decompression is the insertion of a nasogastric (NG) tube. This tube allows for the removal of excess gas and fluid from the stomach, alleviating pressure and preventing complications such as aspiration or perforation. If an NG tube cannot be placed or is ineffective, a surgical intervention such as gastrostomy or laparotomy may be considered in severe cases.
At the facility that I work at our policy is to use the syringe the we have for medication administration, it is a 60cc syringe, we put the feeding on hold , if the resident (patient) is on continuous feeding, insert the syringe in the g-tube and pull back.