NG tube irrigation

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Most of the nurses on our unit have 20+ years experience and have always used NS for NG tube irrigation and pulled back what we instilled.

A newer nurse has told us we are all wrong in using NS, sterile water should be used as saline will alter electrolyte balance.

We have no comeback except that NS is what we were taught to use. We checked for a hospital policy and of course there is none and we have no resource clinician.

What is to be used and why?:confused:

Specializes in ER, progressive care.

I've always used tap water.

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Specializes in ICU.

I use tap water.

Most of my pts have NGT and they are almost always placed for giving meds or tube feedings.

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