Gastric Decompression?

Published

I work on a med/surg Peds flood and within the last 6 months we have suddenly been getting orders for "gastric decompression" q6 hours. Orders state to insert a 24French Red Robin into orifice 6-8 inches and slowly removed. Complete 3x. None of the nurses in our unit have done this and we have no idea why or how it helps except for beyond torturing our kids.

I am am unsure if decompression is the correct terminology, but I can find anything on it on google either. Could you help shine some light on this? I would love some teaching on how and why it's done, resources and/or articles showing evidence based practice on outcomes of this. It is extremely traumatic to our children more so than any IV start or injection I have ever done. Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Gastric decompression means stomach, not large intestine. Someone (who wrote the order) didn't think this through very well. If gas is in the large intestine- it will eventually make it's way out KWIM?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.

I would suggest clarifying with the ordering physician/team, and having them tell you what they want and the reasoning behind it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.
I would suggest clarifying with the ordering physician/team, and having them tell you what they want and the reasoning behind it.

Agreed. Its hard to say why the medical team ordered it or anything else without knowing the patients condition and what they are being treated for. If this is something that is being ordered a lot on patients, then maybe staff need some education about it (from your hospital educators, not AN or Google).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion