NG Tube Question

LilyBlue · Mar 7, 2009

I am aware of this, but if they've been NPO until recently they shouldn't be on any such medications to begin with.

That's not necessarily true. People can and do take nourishment PO around an NGT. The world of nursing isn't so black and white.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Mar 7, 2009

That's not necessarily true. People can and do take nourishment PO around an NGT. The world of nursing isn't so black and white.

Years ago we had an interesting patient who was having a protracted psychotic episode in which he thought he was being poisoned. He was finally admitted due to losing over 100 pounds in a few months from anorexia. He initially was sedated and restrained. Eventually he got used to the NG feeds and would only allow NG tube feeds. He'd take pills po if he trusted us and as his psych meds began working, but it was quite a challenge as he was a/o x3 otherwise.

So yeah, not always black and white. Pt survived and wound up in an ALF, BTW. :up:

kanthony · Mar 7, 2009

I worked on a med-surg floor for about ten years and took care of many people with NG tubes. Only a few times in those ten years were there situations in which a person would take a med orally while their NG was clamped. Others posted a reason for this........the NG is clamped as a trial to monitor how the person is handles it. Who wants to have an NG d/c'd, only to have it reinserted later??? :cry: A trial is a good idea! During this time, a med that is usually given via NG (then NG clamped for x number of minutes) can be given orally. A frequent med we gave this way was mylanta. I agree, that swallowing a large pill might be difficult for some with an NG in place.

CABG patch kid, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2009

I've had a few patients in this situation (NPO except meds, NG to suction of some sorts) and as long as the pt's swallow was intact, I'd give the meds PO for the simple fact that when people are NPO except meds, they cherish the time they have to take a little sip of water with their meds! It feels good!

LilyBlue · Mar 7, 2009

I've had a few patients in this situation (NPO except meds, NG to suction of some sorts) and as long as the pt's swallow was intact, I'd give the meds PO for the simple fact that when people are NPO except meds, they cherish the time they have to take a little sip of water with their meds! It feels good!

Isn't that the truth! I've never had an NGT myself but I always take extra-special care measures with people who have them. I once gave Vancomycin syrup to a patient po who had his ngt clamped, and he sang my praises all day. lol! (That stuff doesn't smell good, but I guess perspective is everything!)

CooL B8B · Mar 7, 2009

I agree with the posters. You can still give meds orally if the pt is conscious. I had a pt before who would take the "little tablets" but would want the other meds to be crushed and be administered via his NGT. He also reckons soluble meds that we give him such as Chlorovescent, Phosphate Sandoz burns his throat that's why we always give it that way. Also, it would not hurt if you ask the pt about his swallowing ability.