Table of Contents
How long can nasogastric tubes stay in for?
The use of a nasogastric tube is suitable for enteral feeding for up to six weeks. Polyurethane or silicone feeding tubes are unaffected by gastric acid and can therefore remain in the stomach for a longer period than PVC tubes, which can only be used for up to two weeks.
How long is feeding tubing good for?
A temporary feeding tube, which is one that is inserted into the nose or mouth, down the throat, and into the stomach (G-tube) or deeper into the intestine (J-tube), can only safely stay in place for about 14 days.
How do you change a NG tube?
Inserting the tube
- Put some water-based lubricant on the tip of the tube.
- Gently guide the tube into a nostril.
- The tube is easier to advance when your child is swallowing.
- Advance the tube until the mark you made earlier reaches the child’s nose.
What does clamping an NG tube mean?
Cap or clamp off the NG tube when not in use to prevent backflow of stomach contents or accumulation of air in the stomach. If a patient has severe sinus conditions, nasal obstruction, or has had facial surgery, it may be necessary to place a oral-gastric tube to avoid further nasal trauma.
How often should you change tube feeding tubing?
This study suggests it is appropriate to change alimentation tube and feeding bags every 72 h (rather than every 24 h). The less frequent changes will decrease supply costs and free nursing time for other activities.
What is a continuous tube feeding?
Continuous feeding: The tube feed (e.g.1000ml or 1500ml) is given slowly over a number of hours, using a pump that controls the flow rate. Continuous feeding can take place during the day, overnight or a combination of both.
How often do you change feeding tube tubing?
How often does the tube need replacing? Gastrostomy tubes vary in the length of time to replacement. Most original gastrostomy tubes last up to 12 months and balloon tubes last up to 6 months.
What nursing interventions are required when caring for a patient with a NGT?
Nursing Considerations
- Provide oral and skin care. Give mouth rinses and apply lubricant to the patient’s lips and nostril.
- Verify NG tube placement. Always verify if the NG tube placed is in the stomach by aspirating a small amount of stomach contents.
- Wear gloves.
- Face and eye protection.
What concerns do you have when caring for a patient with an NG tube?
The drainage flow is probably obstructed and the tube will need to be irrigated. These patients should never be allowed to lie completely flat. Lying flat increases the patient’s risk of aspirating stomach contents. Patients with an NG tube are at risk for aspiration.
Where should an NG tube end?
The NG tube should remain in the midline down to the level of the diaphragm. The NG tube should bisect the carina. The tip of the NG tube should be clearly visible and below the left hemidiaphragm. The tip of the NG tube should be approximately 10 cm beyond the GOJ (i.e. within the stomach).