NGT/Intubation

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

Is it mandatory for every vented pt to have an OG or NGT?

Can anyone steer me towards EBP articles?

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

Mandatory? I'm not sure, but why wouldn't you want an OG at the very least? Otherwise it's going to be tough to give oral meds, feed eventually and potentially decompress. (Unless the person already has a G tube).

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

I agree, but I picked up a patient last night that was intubated and didn't have one. I thought that was unusual but the reporting nurse said it didn't matter.

[ClauICURN]

Usually yes, intubated patients will have a NGT or OGT unless the patient is expected to be extubated soon. If you think you patient is going to be on the vent for a couple of days, I'd get an order and put it in since you never know when you might need it for meds or feeding.

[twss2323]

I also believe (let me try and find an article) that it's recommended the tube be oral vs nasal. Nasal tubes can cause sinus infections which can then lead to VAP.

[Cvepo]

It really depends on the patient. Our open belly/bowel perf surgical patients for example often have an OG/NG for gastric decompression, but are usually such strict NPO that they stay on TPN and IV meds for a long period of time so in theory, they really don't need a tube. But in theory any patient who doesn't need prolonged NPO status or will be intubated for more than a few hours should probably have a Dobhoff or something...

[AnnoyedNurse]

It's only mandatory if there is an physician's order. In our ICu, we routinely place an OGT with intubation because we start to feed our patients immediately. There is tons of research that points to the fact that malnutrition in ICU's is unacceptable and the sooner you start feeds, even trickle feeds, leads to better outcomes. Plus, as another poster suggested, why give IV meds when we can give them via OGT.

[JellyDonut]

Meds and feeding...the gut is preferred delivery of nutrition and it is nice to have a route to give medications. I am sure there are instances where you may not place a NG/OGT (surgery or procedure), but if you expect that patient to be intubated beyond 2 hours it is best to place that tube.

On the flip side....the foley is NOT required, but you would be hard pressed to find a nurse who goes along with that..LOL

[LovingLife123]

Only about 50% of my intubated patients have an NG. We feed and push meds througha small bowel feeding tube. Very rarely do we feed through an NG/OG, and if we do it's trickle feeds.