NG Tube Help!! I need a nurses assist.

[butterfly80]

I'm so confused on these NG tubes. What is a dobhuff? What is a duotube? Are they the same thing? Do you not check residuals because they are in the duodenum? Has anyone given meds using the lopez valve and is anyone familar with automatic flushing systems hook up along with feedings? Any help would be appreciated ASAP as I need to know early in the week for clinical!!

At the hospital I'm at they use a "duotube" but I cannot find info on them. Their policy is that you do not check for placement or residual. They also use an automatic flushing system so do you still flush before/after giving meds?

Thanks

[cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN]

A dobhoff tube is a tube placed into the duodenum. I've never heard it called a duotube, but I guess that makes sense.

You can certainly try to draw residuals, but since the tube is so soft and flexible, you will just pull the walls of the tube together and get no residuals. Some people think they have success with a 10 cc syringe, but again, I think you just won't get a true reading with residuals.

I give meds through a Lopez valve every day I work. We don't use the auto flush bag, I just periodically flush the tube right away when I do my initial assessment and then periodically and after meds. The are a big PITA to place, so we want to make sure they stay patent.

After it's put in, you will need to verify placement with a KUB.

[butterfly80]

A dobhoff tube is a tube placed into the duodenum. I've never heard it called a duotube, but I guess that makes sense.

You can certainly try to draw residuals, but since the tube is so soft and flexible, you will just pull the walls of the tube together and get no residuals. Some people think they have success with a 10 cc syringe, but again, I think you just won't get a true reading with residuals.

I give meds through a Lopez valve every day I work. We don't use the auto flush bag, I just periodically flush the tube right away when I do my initial assessment and then periodically and after meds. The are a big PITA to place, so we want to make sure they stay patent.

After it's put in, you will need to verify placement with a KUB.

Thanks so much for your reply! Is this the tube that is also a PITA to give meds through as well because it is so small? Do you flush between meds if your giving more then one?

[cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN]

No, they are a PITA to place. You put it in, get a KUB, hope it's in the right spot. If not, you replace, get a KUB, etc, etc.

I don't flush between each med. I crush the meds and mix them in water, give them, then flush.

[judytheoldrn]

Hi, Maury - so sorry about your mom. Must be really hard being the one with the medical knowledge and so far away. I think your mom would be so much more comfortable with the PEG. And it doesn't mean surgery at all. They will pass a scope with the light on, look at her belly where they see the light, make a very tiny cut to pass the tube into and pull the PEG through into the stomach with a snagging tool. Then they will anchor the tube in place and cut off the excess. It's much better than passing an NGT every so often. Only a little chance of complications, too. Good luck :heartbeat

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

Maury we can't offer medical advice. Speak with the doctor and get a second opinion if needs be.