What will the nurse need before inserting a patients nasogastric tube?
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A nasogastric tube enables a nutritionally adequate diet to be delivered directly to the stomach bypassing the oral route. It is the most common route for enteral feeding and nurses play a central role in caring for patients with a nasogastric tube. This article outlines the care required for an adult patient with a fine bore nasogastric tube. Show
Nursing Standard. 20, 3, 59-66. doi: 10.7748/ns.20.3.59.s72 Already subscribed? Log inORUnlock full access to RCNi Plus todaySave over 50% on your first 3 monthsYour subscription package includes:
RCN student member? Try Nursing Standard StudentAlternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now ) is often required for patients who have difficulty swallowing. This allows them to receive the necessary nutrients in a safe way. First time caregivers in particular, may find feeding tube management challenging.At Jaga-Me, we believe in empowering caregivers to care for their loved ones. In this article, we will be sharing tips from Jaga-Me nurses on performing tube feeding care at home. If you still do not feel confident, our expert nurses can also perform feeding tube insertion services at home. How often should I change the feeding tube?Material of feeding tubeChange tube every:*Short-term (less than 3 weeks)Plastic7 daysLong-term (more than 3 weeks)Silicone e.g. Corflo, Kangaroo4 to 6 weeks*Do check the manufacturer’s note for exact recommendations. Hygiene should always be a top priority when performing feeding tube care at home. Syringes should be washed with water (do not boil) and thoroughly dried after each use. They should be changed every 2-3 days, and more frequently if there are visible marks in the syringe. Tube Feeding Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions about Feeding Tube Care at HomeHow do I check if the tube is still in place?You can measure the exposed length of the feeding tube, and check that the micropore tape has not shifted. What should I do if the tube has been displaced?We recommend a trained nurse to assess the situation in person. Do not attempt to re-insert the feeding tube on your own. How do I maintain the oral and nasal hygiene of the patient?Carrying out feeding tube care at home doesn’t just involve changing and handling the tube. It also means maintaining your loved one’s oral and nasal hygiene to avoid debris, liquid, or plaque build up that can lead to health issues.
How often should I replace the micropore tape?The micropore tape should be replaced once a day, when cleaning your loved one’s face. Using a warm cloth, gently loosen the micropore tape. Remove the tape from the face and from the tube. Reattach a new micropore tape. Why is the milk not flowing down during the feeding?It is most likely that the tube is stuck with milk or medicine. You may reposition your loved one to the left and observe if the milk flows. If it does not, contact your home care nurse for replacement of the feeding tube. Do not use the syringe and plunger to attempt to force through the obstruction as you could cause significant discomfort to your loved one. What is needed for NG tube insertion?Equipment needed for placement of NG tubes:. Nasogastric tube: 16-18 French.. Cup of water with straw.. pH indicator.. Gloves.. Emesis basin.. Benzocaine spray (optional). Water-based lubricant (optional). What should be assessed before inserting NG tube?Always assess correct placement of the NG tube prior to infusing any fluids or tube feeds as per agency policy. Check location of external markings on the tube and colour of the PH of fluid aspirated from the tube. Routine evaluation will ensure the correct placement of the tube and reduce the risk of aspiration.
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