NG tube output - any guesses?

[deftonez188]

Had a pt with a possible small bowel obstruction (bowel sounds were great, asymptomatic pt with a prior bm that am, no distention, etc.) unconfirmed by CT that had low intermittent NG suction with a salem sump tube.

Output changed from expected cloudy straw colored fluid to rust colored/brown and frothy - what could this be? There was no fecal odor/consistency to the new drainage, just the color.

Also, the drainage seemed to adhere to the NGT lumen walls - with an NPO pt, are there any tricks to flushing the line without instilling large amounts of fluid? The line remained patent, but I wonder for how long thereafter...

[0402]

Are you positive they weren't eating or drinking?

[deftonez188]

Had a pt with a possible small bowel obstruction (bowel sounds were great, asymptomatic pt with a prior bm that am, no distention, etc.) unconfirmed by CT that had low intermittent NG suction with a salem sump tube.

Output changed from expected cloudy straw colored fluid to rust colored/brown and frothy - what could this be? There was no fecal odor/consistency to the new drainage, just the color.

Also, the drainage seemed to adhere to the NGT lumen walls - with an NPO pt, are there any tricks to flushing the line without instilling large amounts of fluid? The line remained patent, but I wonder for how long thereafter...

Yes, they weren't given anything. Of course, I can't watch them 24 hours a day if that's what you mean

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

you mean it was sort of chunky, or really thick? Maybe it's a lot of mucous and bile?Hard to know by not seeing. If you think it's going to plug up, get an order from your md to flush or follow protocol. Remember, you are going to suck up mostly of what you flush with.