Nursing Review: Nasogastric Tube (NGT)

Nasogastric Tube (NGT)

Ø  Gavage (feeding) / Lavage (suctioning)

Ø  Select the nostril that has greater airflow.

Ø  Assist the client to a high fowler’s position

Ø  NEX technique (nose-ear-xiphoid)

Ø  Checking the patency:

ü  Aspirate stomach contents and check the pH, which should be acidic

ü  Introduce 10-30 ml of air into the NGT and auscultate at the epigastric area, gurgling sound is heard

ü  The most accurate method of assessing the placement of NGT is X-ray study

Ø  Before feeding assess residual feeding contents. To assess absorption of the last feeding, if 50 ml or more, verify if the feeding will be given.

Ø  Height of feeding is 12 inches above the point of insertion.

Ø  Ask the client to remain in position for at least 30 min

Ø  Common Problems of Tube Feedings

·         Vomiting

·         Aspiration

·         Diarrhea

·         Hyperglycemia

Nursing Review: Urinary Catheterization

Urinary Catheterization

Ø  Use appropriate size of catheter

• Male: Fr 16-18
• Female: Fr 12-14

Ø  Place the client in appropriate position:

• Male: Supine, legs abducted and extended
• Female: Dorsal recumbent

Ø  Locate the urinary meatus properly:

• Male: at the tip of the glans penis
• Female: between the clitoris and vaginal orifice

Ø  Lubricate catheter with water soluble lubricant before insertion

• Male: 6 – 7 inches
• Female: 1 – 2 inches

Ø  Length of catheter insertion:

• Male: 6 – 9 inches
• Female: 3 -4 inches

Ø  Anchor catheter properly:

• Male: laterally or upward over the lower abdomen / upper thigh
• Female: inner aspect of the thigh

Nursing Interventions to Induce Voiding/Urination

v  Provide privacy

v  Assist the patient in the anatomical position of voiding

v  Serve clean, warm and dry bedpan (female) or urinal (male)

v  Allow the client to listen to the sound of running water

v  Dangle fingers in warm water

v  Pour warm water over the perineum

v  Promote relaxation

v  Provide adequate time for voiding

v  Last resort: URINARY CATHETERIZATION