GT to suction/GT meds, question

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Okay, I know this probably has quite a simple and obvious answer... but I don't know it. Last night one of the other nurses' pts (both of us are newish nurses, started in June/July) had a G-tube to low wall suction, and also had a PO seizure med due (that she would get through the G-tube). We were trying to figure out, how long you would need to stop suction after giving the med... are there policies on this or what? (She ended up finding out from another nurse, but we got busy and I didn't get to ask her what she ended up doing). Thanks for your patience!

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Specializes in OR.

I thought it was 30 to 45 minutes.

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Okay, I know this probably has quite a simple and obvious answer... but I don't know it. Last night one of the other nurses' pts (both of us are newish nurses, started in June/July) had a G-tube to low wall suction, and also had a PO seizure med due (that she would get through the G-tube). We were trying to figure out, how long you would need to stop suction after giving the med... are there policies on this or what? (She ended up finding out from another nurse, but we got busy and I didn't get to ask her what she ended up doing). Thanks for your patience!

Over at my neck of the woods, it is 30 minutes.

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...but follow your institutions policy and follow it...:)

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...but follow your institutions policy and follow it...:)

...but look up your institutions policy and procedure and follow it...LOL can't write today:chuckle

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

When in doubt, ask the doctor and write the parameters he gives you as an order and include it with the instructions for giving the medication on the Medication sheet. That should have been done in the first place by the person taking the initial order. Then it is very clear to everyone involved in giving medications exactly what to do. In places where I've worked it was 30 minutes to an hour.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho.

We typically use the 30 min rule,, if its closed a bit longer it wont hurt just dont forget to go back and open back up to suction.

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When in doubt, ask the doctor and write the parameters he gives you as an order and include it with the instructions for giving the medication on the Medication sheet. That should have been done in the first place by the person taking the initial order. .

:yeahthat:

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

thanks a lot! i will look it up to be sure :)

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Yep, definitely get the doctor's order. We generally give it an hour or so.

:) Super

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