Anchoring nasogastric tubes

[ratsak]

We have had problems on our surgical ward with nasogastric tubes partially or totally falling out. I am the bunny rabbit selected to investigate methods of anchoring these tubes in a more effective manner- either through the type of tape used, and/or method of taping. Appreciate any help you can give me. Patients with oily skin seem to have a greater risk of slipping tubes - any ideas?

[RNPD]

try using IV dressings with the clear window. The tape on the edges seems to last thru anything and i've had good results securing NGTs with these dressings.

[hollykate]

If hte pt seems to be oily or sweaty, I wipe with alcohol pads and let dry, then I use tincture of benzoin, and let it dry and get good and sticky, then I anchor with silk tape the wide part on the nose, then split the tape and coil it around the tube, opposite sides. They still can be pulled out, but I have not had too many just slip out.

[JennieBSN]

The alcohol/tincture of benzoin method works very well for me also. Good idea on using tegaderm, RNPD!

[kewlnurse]

I have found that 2" cloth tape works best. About 2"down the tube and 2" up the nose, if the pt has oily skin wipe it with and alcohol pad first, never had one "fall" out.

[Lynn Casey RN]

Hi!I am uncertain of the brand but our hospital has NG anchors.They are elastoplast bandages with a plastic clamp attached.Sounds like heaven eh?Well,it isn't.Our NG's are always falling out(But the tape stays!)This really sucks because some stuffy surgeon's write right on the tape on the patient's forhead DO NOT ADJUST.I like the tegaderm(opsite) or waterproof tape(the skin color stuff) split up the middle,wrapped around the tube and anchored on the nose.Good Luck!

[RNforLongTime]

Whenever I drop an NG, I use cloth tape and first wrap it along the tube and then cris-cross the tape acroos the patients nose. I've also seen some nurses us steri-strips to do this also

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[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

RE SECURING NG TUBES oily skin:

1. Wipe off nose with soap and water, wipe with alcohol pad (defats skin), LET DRY!

2. Apply Skin prep (used to secure ostomy appliances),let it airdry till feels slightly tachy to touch(I usually fan nose with empty package to speed up process).

3. Apply cloth tape in chevron fashion around tube + tape across bridge of nose. Tape another piece around tube to forehead it needed.

4. If tegrederm available, I would apply over tape on bridge of nose.

5. Apply tabed tape piece to area on tube near chest, allow some slack and insert safety pin thru tape and secure to hospital gown.

95 % stay in with this method.