Any tricks for NG placement?

sunnygirl272 · Mar 17, 2003

general anesthesia. :)

hoolahan, ASN, RN · Mar 17, 2003

Did you chill the tube?? I mean really tho, if she had such a hypersensitive gag reflex, and I am one of those people so I understand, a little conscious sedation, aka whiff of versed might not have been a bad idea. Poor thing, I can identify w that!! Knock me out!!

NS_RN · Mar 17, 2003

Yup..tube was chilled and she had some lorazepam s/l. Poor little old lady.

hoolahan, ASN, RN · Mar 17, 2003

Re-readng my post I don't like how it "reads". I just want to say that you did all the right things, and even if tube was also chilled and made it a tad stiffer, due to her gag, nothing might have helped. Esp if tube dipped in xylo gel. Never tried that, great idea. Should have knocked out her gag reflex too!! Maybe she had weird anatomy too!!

hoolahan, ASN, RN · Mar 17, 2003

Yikes she had ativan too?? Definitely needs general!! LOL!!

P_RN, ADN, RN · Mar 17, 2003

Did you try allowing her to chew and swallow some crushed ice?

I find that helps.

KaroSnowQueen, RN · Mar 17, 2003

We have xylocaine spray we spray on the back of their throat. Works like a charm. If they are still able to have p.o. they just can't have anything for about 45 minutes.

WashYaHands · Mar 17, 2003

If they arent dysphagic you can use a 60 cc syringe filled with ice water. Have them suck on it and swallow as you advance the tube. The suction helps you advance the tube. A calm quiet soft voice of encouragement also helps.

Linda

ERNurse752, RN · Mar 17, 2003

I personally prefer to throw down an OG when someone is already sedated, paralyzed, and intubated.

momoftriplets · Mar 17, 2003

I like to use a xylocaine spray too, and also use lidojelly for lubrication. I also have found out, that the larger the ng, the easier it is to go down.. Esp in the Er when we do a lot of Ng, flush til clear, then pull stuff. Almost always does an 18g go down.