Question

Which of the following would the nurse perform when giving medication via an NG tube? A. Ascertain tube patency and placement B. Position the client dorsal recumbent C. Reconnect the tube to suction immediately after administration of the drug. D. Administer the drug as rapidly as possible to prevent clogging the tube.

Short answer

Short Answer: The correct procedure for giving medication via an NG tube is to ascertain tube patency and placement. This step ensures the tube is open, unobstructed, and correctly placed in the stomach before administering medication, providing safe and effective care.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Options

Before breaking down the correct answer let's analyze each of the available options: A. Ascertain tube patency and placement B. Position the client dorsal recumbent C. Reconnect the tube to suction immediately after administration of the drug. D. Administer the drug as rapidly as possible to prevent clogging the tube.

Option Analysis

Now we will discuss the viability of each option: A. Ascertain tube patency and placement - Ensuring that the NG tube is patent (open and unobstructed) and correctly placed in the stomach is a crucial step before administering medication. This is a vital step in providing safe and effective care. B. Position the client dorsal recumbent - This position is not necessary for administering medication via an NG tube. Keeping the patient in an elevated (Fowler's) position during medication delivery helps to reduce the risk of reflux and aspiration. C. Reconnect the tube to suction immediately after administration of the drug - If the tube is connected to suction, it should not be reconnected immediately after administering the medication. Waiting approximately 20-30 minutes before reconnecting the tube ensures the drug is absorbed without being sucked out by the suctioning system. D. Administer the drug as rapidly as possible to prevent clogging the tube - This is not a recommended practice, as the drug administration should be slow and controlled. Rapid delivery could cause clogging or even dislodging of the tube.

Identifying the Correct Answer

After analyzing the options, it becomes evident that the correct answer is: A. Ascertain tube patency and placement This is the primary and crucial step when administering medication via an NG tube, as confirming the placement and patency of the tube significantly minimizes the risk of error and complications.

Key concepts

Tube Patency and Placement

When adminstering medication via an NG (nasogastric) tube, it's critical to ensure that the tube is patent and accurately placed within the patient's gastrointestinal tract. This is because proper tube patency and placement prevent medication from being misdirected, which can cause harm to the patient.

To check patency, a nurse may use a syringe to aspirate stomach contents or inject a small amount of air while auscultating over the stomach to hear a 'whooshing' sound. Furthermore, the nurse may use pH testing of aspirated fluids or confirm placement with an X-ray. These steps are imperative for patient safety and are a top priority before medication administration. Patency and correct placement are indicative that the tube is unobstructed and in the desired position within the stomach, ensuring that the administered medication will be delivered accurately and safely.

Medication Administration Procedures

Administering medication through an NG tube involves a series of careful steps to ensure safety and efficacy. It starts with preparing the medication, which may need to be in a liquid form or properly crushed if it's a pill that's safe to be altered.

The nurse should then flush the tube with a small amount of water to maintain its patency before introducing the medication. After flushing, the medication can be introduced using a syringe, allowing gravity to aid the process. It is crucial to administer the medication slowly to prevent complications such as tube clogging or patient discomfort.

Post-Administration Procedures

After giving the medication, it's important to flush the tube again with water to ensure all medication has cleared the tube and to maintain its patency. This also helps in preventing drug-drug or drug-food interactions inside the tube. The nurse must document the procedure meticulously, recording the medication given, dosage, time, and any patient reactions or side effects.

Nursing Best Practices

Adherence to nursing best practices when administering medications via NG tube is vital in providing high-quality and safe patient care. These practices include thorough hand hygiene before and after the procedure and wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment.

Clear communication with the patient, when possible, is also paramount to educate them about the procedure and medications being administered. Best practices also involve staying updated with the latest protocols and guidelines, as recommendations for NG tube management can evolve.

Continuous Education and Training

Nurses should pursue ongoing education and competency assessments to stay proficient in NG tube care and medication administration. This ensures they are aware of any advances in tube design, medication delivery systems, and safety checks. Regular drills and assessments can help nurses maintain a high standard of care and prevent errors in this critical aspect of patient management.