NCLEX review- NG tube and spinal injuries

[Epona]

Hi my all nurse buddies! I am studying my NCLEX review book and had two questions....

The NG tube, is that used just for suctioning OR can you also use it to feed a patient??

I know you are always supposed to have a patient cough, turn and deep breathe after surgery... what about with a spinal injury?? It is not a severe injury perse, like where they are in contraption and it turns for them, but how are you supposed to do the 'turn, cough, deep breathe' on a patient say has had a lumbar vertebra repair who is not in contraption??

THANK YOU!!!

[Dixielee, BSN, RN]

Yes, and NG tube can be used to suction the stomach as well as feed and give meds. Generally a smaller, more comfortable tube such as a Dobhoff is inserted for longer term feedings, but the larger "salem sump" can be used for putting in and taking out stomach stuff.

As far as spinal injuries, I have been in ER a long time so I am not sure what current protocol post op is, but as long as spinal precautions are taken, you should be OK. We have to move people a lot in the ER, from EMS cot to ours, from ours to CT table or x-ray table, but we use a c-collar and log rolling until the spine is cleared.

We have also received patients who have been on backboards for hours from outlying facilities. That is a big NO NO. Not only is it umcomfortable for the patient, but skin breakdown begins quickly, most folks have a hard time breathing while strapped to a flat board. Not part of you question, but thought I would pass that on.

Good questions though, hope you get some good answers, and good luck on the NCLEX!

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

Yes you can feed a pt with a NGT. When giving meds make sure they are flushed well so you don't clog the tube.

Yes with a spinal surgery pt for lumbar/cervical laminectomy you would have them turn , cough, and deep breathe. You want to prevent skin breakdown and any atelectsis or pneumonia.