secureing orogastric tube w/intubated pt

[nightshift82]

Topic of discussion prior to going home:What is the best way to secure a orogastic tube? We have always taped it to the ET tube. Have not found a better way? Any suggestions? One of our Pulm Docs has issues w/it and I understand completely but have never had any problems and dif. to secure to the cheek/chin.

Thanks for any thoughts on the issue.:wink2:

[cvicu80]

I like to tape my ET and OG tube together, but not to much tape. I just dont like the OG tube coming out if it's not secure. I work on a cardiothoracic unit.

j

[PICNICRN, BSN, RN]

We either secure it by tegaderm to the cheek right over the ETT tape or like you said- right to the ETT itself. I prefer to the ETT.

[nursecass]

We do it straight to the ETT as well. I've seen it taped to the cheek once or twice, but I always see them moving in and out depending on pt's face movement and it just makes me nervous...

[nightshift82]

Thanks for your opinions and will continue like you to tape tp the ET tube. It seems much more secure and have never liked taping it to the cheek. Tried it a few times and switched back because of concerns r/t dislogement and pressure ulcers.:heartbeat

[Reno1978, BSN, RN]

I've had docs complain about OG tubes being taped to ET tubes, but it's the only way that I find them to be secure.

[nightshift82]

The Pulm docs are the only ones who complain but don't offer a better suggestion. Will continue to do the same until there is a better way. Thanks for your confirmation. Not crazy after all:wink2:

[AmyCardsNP, RN, NP]

I've asked the docs who complain about the OG being taped to the ETT what their rationale is for not wanting it taped there and the only answer I've gotten is that they worry that the OG will be pulled about by the patient and the OG will go with it. I've never seen this happen and can't anticipate that it would happen (as long as the nurse is careful in placement of the OG/suction tubing.

Anyone else heard any rationale of why we shouldn't tape to the ETT?

Thanks! :)

[Reno1978, BSN, RN]

That's the same rationale given by an anesthesiologist who removed one of my pt's OG's in surgery and reinserted it in a nare without checking placement. I push an air bolus and hear hissing coming from the patient's mouth. It was all coiled up in there.

Like others have mentioned, there aren't any good alternatives.

[nightshift82]

Thanks for all the great discussion. I have never had any MD yet offer a better alternative.