EQUIPMENT
Warmed saline or water for irrigation
Catheter tip syringe
Chux pad and/or towel
Gloves, nonsterile
Stethoscope

PROCEDURE

1. Gather equipment. Promotes organization and effi-

ciency.

2. Wash hands. Reduces transmission of microorganisms.
3. Prepare child and family. Enhances cooperation and

participation and reduces anxiety and fear.

4. Put on nonsterile gloves. Prevents nurse from contact

with gastrointestinal fluids.

5. Turn off suction or feeding as appropriate. Disconnect

nasogastric tube from suction or feeding source or
unclamp as appropriate.

6. Reverify placement of nasogastric tube by injecting 5 cc

of air while ascultating the abdomen.

7. Fill the syringe with the prescribed amount of solution

or 5–10 cc and inject it slowly into the tubing. Do not
force. Forcing may injure tissue and increase child’s dis-
comfort.
a. If solution does not flow easily try

1. Rotating the tubing or moving it slightly.
2. Alternately push and pull the plunger of the

syringe. Alternating pressure helps work out the
obstruction.

b. Notify physician if solution cannot be injected with-

out considerable force.

8. Aspirate the amount used in the irrigation from the tub-

ing. Prevents adding extra fluid volume to the stomach.

9. Remove syringe and reconnect the nasogastric tube to

the appropriate suction or type of feeding.

10. Remove gloves. Wash hands. Reduces transmission of

microorganisms.

DOCUMENTATION

1. Verification of tube placement.
2. Time of procedure.
3. Type and amount of solution irrigated and amount of

return.

4. Child’s response to procedure and how tolerated.

60

Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.

SKILL 22

SKILL 22

Nasogastric Tube Irrigation