help with admin ng meds

[lrc1203]

Hi guys I'm new here but you will see me make several posts. My situation is that I should have graduated from the program last semester but I ended up not passing peds so I retook that and they would only let me take that class by itself. Then, last semester I had a baby so I only went part-time. I will now graduate next semester but I am in my hardest semester... CRITICAL CARE! I start critical care clinicals in a month. I havent had clinicals in the hospital over a year. I am very nervous that my skills are going to be very poor and I will look bad.

I need help on the correct way to administer meds through an NG tube. I cant remember the correct way and the only thing I remember is that you crush the tabs, mix in 30cc of water and then put in the tube but do you need to flush the tube BEFORE & AFTER admin the meds? Also, when do you check placement? I know there will be pt's with NG's so I'm so nervous. Thanks!:)

[Mike R, ADN, BSN, RN]

It varies from facility to facility, but generally check patency and residual of NG Q4 and every time you give meds via NG. Flush before and after and between every med. Always let gravity feed and NEVER push with the plunger.

Just remember to breathe and you'll be fine :)

[lrc1203]

thanks and how much do you flush with?

[Mike R, ADN, BSN, RN]

thanks and how much do you flush with?

Depends. 30ml if there isn't a lot of meds. If there are a lot meds, 30ml's between each med will add up quick; especially if they are fluid restriction or NPO or what have you. In that case, 15ml or so should be fine.