Rectal Tube not available, use large foley to bsb?

[AtlantaRN, RN]

Patient has a small bowel obstruction, we don't stock rectal tubes. In a pinch, I read where you can use like a 30 french foley to bsb, and inflate the balloon to position in rectum-then connect to bsb. I read on another forum, to deflate this balloon q4h and reposition. This pt is on continuous care, so there will be a nurse there for several hours daily. Has anyone in the field used this in a pinch? Any advice is greatly helpful. I read online where there is something called a "zassi", but we just don't have access to items like these that cost 200-300$ each. Again, thank you for your help.

linda

[leslie :-D]

yes, i've used foleys (any size) and cut both ends.

also would never think to inflate balloon...

not only seemingly uncomfortable, but could denude surrounding tissue.

i dunno...it stays put for me, maybe a little sliding but never expelled.

plus, i check positioning every time i change/check pt.

seriously atlanta, keep it simple.

foley will be just fine.

leslie

[tewdles, RN]

this is good info, I have never used a foley as a rectal tube....THANKS!

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

I read an article posted on allnurses about using np tubes rectally.

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/nasal-trumpet-replacing-43562-page4.html

[leslie :-D]

i remember one time we had NOTHING for supplies and i ended up inserting a flexi-straw as a rectal tube.

i'm telling you, these interventions are invaluable for the pt with gi distress.

leslie

[AtlantaRN, RN]

thank you for all the responses, they ended up doing continuous care on this patient. They are using a 30 fr foley to bedside bag and deflating the balloon every 4 hours.

linda

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

What is BSB?