Today our topic of discussion is Nasogastric Insertion.
Nasogastric Insertion
Nasogastric intubation is defined as the passage of a tube through the node to the stomach. Inserting a nasogastric tube or feeding tube into the stomach or duodenum allows a patient who cannot eat to receive nourishment (Fig. 28.38).By inserting a nasogastric tube, you are gaining access to the stomach and its contents.
This enables you to drain gastric contents, decompress the stomach, obtain a specimen of the gastric contents, or introduce a passage into the GI tract. This will allow you to treat gastric immobility, and bowel obstruction. It will also allow for drainage and/or lavage in drug overdosage or poisoning. In trauma settings, NG tubes can be used to aid in the prevention of vomiting and aspiration, as well as for assessment of GI bleeding. NG tubes can also be used for enteral feeding initially.
The potential for contact with a patient’s blood/body fluids while starting an NG is present and increases with the inexperience of the operator. Gloves must be worn while starting an NG; and if the risk of vomiting is high, the operator should consider face and eye protection as well as a gown. Trauma protocol calls for all team members to wear gloves, face and eye protection and gowns.
Purpose
- To relieve abdominal distension
- To maintain gastric decompression after surgery
- To prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery
- To treat patients and mechanical obstruction and bleeding of the upper gastrointestinal tract
- To obtain a specimen of gastric contents for laboratory studies
- Administer medications and feeding directly into G tract
- To relieve discomfort.
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