GIT - NG Tubes

Question 1

Reasons for tube feeding

Answer 1

• person unable to meet metabolic needs by oral ingestion
• anorexia
• unconcious
• following head and or neck surgery, trauma, burns
• malignant lesion (cancer of the throat)

Question 2

Tube Positions

Answer 2

• nasogastric - through nose into stomach
• gastrotomy tube - directly into stomach
• jejunostomy tube - into the jejunum

Question 3

NG Tube Feeding - Rationale

Answer 3

• decompression of stomach
• short term enteral feeding
• medication administration
• oral rehydration
• gastric lavage
• analysis of gastric contents

Question 4

Tube Feeding - Safety

Answer 4

• prior to feeds, check position of tube
• measure from nose to end of tubing
• check pH of stomach contents
• avoid feeds that are too cold
• avoid giving too fast
• ^^ can lead to “dumping syndrome” (when food skips stomach, dumps into duodenum)
• semi fowlers position (above 45 degrees)
• check dietitian orders
• FBC

Question 5

NG Tube - Procedure

Answer 5

• measure tube - from earlobe to tip of nose to xiphoid sternum
• lubricate tube
• gloves
• insert gently
• push up towards back of nose
• if able, get the patient to drink / swallow as the tube goes down the back of the throat
• once in stomach, secure with tape
• test for position

Question 6

NG Tube - Positioning

Answer 6

• x-ray
• test stomach contents with litmus paper
• take measurement from tip of nose to end of tube, record measurement

Question 7

Tube Feeding - Complications

Answer 7

• diarrhoea
• nausea & vomiting
• dumping syndrome
• bloating
• fluid & electrolyte imbalances
• aspiration pneumonia (sit up more than 45 degrees during feeds)
• constipation
• excoriation of nares
• tube obstruction