Question about meds via NG tubes

Nursing Students General Students

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Specializes in Urgent Care.

I know with food, you always flush with water, but with meds can you use water, saline, or both? Thanks! :)

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Just water....no saline! Tap water is fine too.

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Specializes in 5 years peds, 35 years med-surg.

I've never heard of anyone using saline. It's usually just plain ole tap water.:specs:

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The only time I've used saline to flush NGs is for post op belly patients... Sometimes the MD will ask us to use sterile water instead of saline too.

Otherwise- just tap water!

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Specializes in CCRN, CNRN, Flight Nurse.

The only time I've used saline is when the patient is hyponatremic and on doctors orders.

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

Usually you only flush with water. However, we also sometimes flushed with carbonated drinks such as 7-Up or Coke in order to help clear residue that sticks to the inside of the tubing and tends to narrow the lumen. Can't use too much or the patient gets bloated with air. We also flushed and aspirated warmed water to clear out some of that built up residue.

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Specializes in Urgent Care.

Thanks all! :)

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Think of it this way, When you give someone PO meds do they take it c water or saline? It's all going in the stomach, so water is ok. Saline isn't necessary unless it's for the reasons stated from the other posters.

The best adivice I've ever gotten: "What are you doing and why are you doing it?" If you know the purpose, you're usually golden. Good luck on your skill!

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Also! Kink the tubing in between your flushes so you don't get a yummy residual shower, get the bedding soaked, and make a fool out of yourself while your instructor is watching you. It'll make you more nervous and you might forget a flush or something! Lol...I know from experience. :lol2:

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