D5 via a g tube

[beaglelover]

An order was received for D5 via IV or gtube for a CA pt after his radiation treatment. Has anyone out there had an order like this? We were told it was appropriate, though rare. :chuckle :)

[Hopalong]

Rare, yes. But if the pt needs fluids, and say the Sodium is high - I had one last week with a Na of 162,Glucose 398, we gave water via G tube. Helped, for awhile.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Huh? Why not a water or tube feeding order? Why not an IV site for the IV fluids. Thats just a set up for errors.

[achot chavi]

Having worked in LTC/Geriatrics for almost 20 years I have heard of Doctors treating Hyponatremia with an order to add 1 teaspoon salt to meals PO or PG once or twice a day and follow up with a blood test for Na+ in a week. I can imagine that giving D5W PG is like drinking sugar water and I would moniter Blood sugars certainly on a diabetic or unstable patient.

BTW We have been treating low fluid intake problems with a liter of N/S SC instead of IV and its been great...well tolerated and does the job without the discomfort and risks of IV.

If you feel uncomfortable with an order, you can certainly question the doctor about it and be open to his answers. If you feel his answers are inadequate, you can certainly turn to his supervisor or Head of Dept.

LOL