A nasogastric tube is a special device designed for human enteral nutrition. It is necessary in cases where he himself can not eat food. Such an introduction of food is required for trauma or swelling of the tongue. Also, nutrition is carried out in this way in case of damage to the pharynx, larynx or esophagus, in case of mental disorders of a person associated with refusal to eat.
Introduction of food through a tube may be necessary when the patient is unconscious. There are contraindications for this method of food intake - this is a stomach ulcer at the time of its exacerbation. In addition to the introduction of food through a nasogastric tube, you can take medications. All manipulations should be under the strict guidance of a doctor.
How to insert the probe?
In order to insert a nasogastric tube into a patient, you first need to make marks on it. You should also check the person's nasal passages. If the patient is unconscious, the probe is inserted in the supine state, his head is turned to the side. The nasogastric tube can be left on for 3 weeks.
Preparing for the procedure
- Necessary,for the doctor to establish a trusting relationship with the patient or with his relatives.
- The doctor should tell the patient the purpose of the upcoming procedure and familiarize him with what kind of food he will be given. Also, the doctor should tell you about the stages of the upcoming procedure.
- The room should be ventilated in advance.
- The next stage of preparation for insertion of the probe is the measurement of the distance from the throat to the stomach. To do this, the patient must sit up straight. Then the doctor should take a measurement. There is an alternative way to calculate the distance to the stomach, for this you need to subtract 100 cm from a person's height.
- In order for the nasogastric tube to easily enter the stomach, it is recommended to moisten it in a solution of "Furacilin". The solution is diluted in a ratio of 1 to 2000. The nasogastric tube is wetted to the marked mark.
- Next, put the patient on the couch. He lies on his back. A pillow is placed under the head. It is necessary to make sure that the head is slightly tilted. This position will ensure free entry of the probe into the nasopharynx. A napkin is placed on the patient's chest.
How is the tube inserted?
The doctor must wear gloves during this procedure.
- The probe is inserted into the nasal passage of the patient by 15 centimeters. Next, you should put the patient in a reclining position. Then you should tell him to swallow the probe. The person should assume a position in which the tool will be freeenter the stomach.
- Further, air is launched into Zhane's syringe. It is then attached to a tube and inserted into the stomach. You can hear specific sounds that are evidence that everything is done correctly.
- In order to prevent leakage of liquid, after the syringe is disconnected, a clamp is applied to the probe. This places the outer end into the tray.
- Next, fix the probe. To do this, a bandage is wrapped around the patient's face and head.
- The next step in the procedure is to remove the clamp and attach the funnel.
Nsogastric tube feeding
The probe descends to the level of the stomach. Air should not be allowed to enter there. To do this, the funnel tilts and fills with food. Food should be warm, its temperature should be 38-40 degrees. After the funnel is filled with food, it is gradually raised up until the food remains only in the neck of the funnel. Then the funnel descends again down to the level of the stomach. Then it is filled with food, the process is repeated in a similar way. After the introduction of all the food, boiled water or tea is poured into the probe. The procedure for feeding is simple through a nasogastric tube. The algorithm is quite simple.
After the food intake is completed and the probe is washed, a clip must be installed on the end of it. Next, remove the funnel. After that, wrap the end of the probe with a sterile napkin or place it in a tray, or you can fix it on the patient's neck. Leave it like this until the next meal.
Specifications of the nasogastric tube
The nasogastric tube is made of PVC. This material is transparent. It has the property of thermoplasticity. This means that under the influence of warm fabrics, it softens. Also, modern probes are equipped with additional features that greatly facilitate the process of use. These include a radiopaque line that is present along the entire length of the probe. In some models, the side holes are located in a special way. This is done in order to reduce the risk of dumping syndrome. The probes are equipped with connectors that work well with food dispensers. Also, modern connectors have special plugs. They are hermetically sealed if necessary. Thanks to these plugs, you can not use the clamp.
At first glance, such improvements by manufacturers seem insignificant, but at the same time, the use and placement of a nasogastric tube are much easier.
Baby Probe
The principle of operation of the probes is the same. But children have their own characteristics. It should be said that they can also be used for an adult. Baby probes are also made of high quality PVC. They are absolutely harmless, do not cause allergic reactions and can be used up to 3 weeks. Baby probes have a soft, rounded end. This characteristic ensures good entry of the probe and protects against any injury during insertion. Probe swallowing with softthe tip is painless.
There are also side holes at the end, through which the patient is fed through a nasogastric tube, and nutrients enter the stomach. Children's models are equipped with connectors that can be closed tightly and hermetically, as well as special adapters for connecting syringes and funnels. The probes also have a radiopaque band marked in centimeters. This allows you to determine how deep the probe is.
Some manufacturers produce color-coded instruments. That is, a certain color has a set diameter and size. Thanks to the color coding, it is easy for medical professionals to navigate which probe is suitable for a particular person. Code tables are attached to the tools.
Conclusion
Now you know what a nasogastric tube is. We also talked about how to prepare for the introduction of it. They also described how feeding through a nasogastric tube works.
