NURS 3234 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Cotton Swab, Aeration, Gastrostomy
Document Summary
Because of their versatility and ease of use, nasogastric (ng) tubes have long played an important role in the diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of patients. Generally nasogastric intubations are performed by nurses, in a wide variety of clinical situations. The use of a nasogastric tube is often indicated by the need to: Assess and treat upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding. To administer medications when oral intake is not possible or tolerated. For gastric decompression to prevent vomiting when adynamic ileus, also known as paralytic ileus, or mechanical obstruction is suspected. Nasogastric tubes should not be used in patients when: When an obstruction blocks passage of the tube. When the patient is non-cooperative or has an inability to tolerate the passage of the tube. Careful monitoring of nasogastric tubes should be done continuously. Several types of tubes can be used for nasogastric intubation. Depending on their use, nasogastric tubes commonly range in size from 8 to 16 french.
