Um, problem....

Specialties Med-Surg

Published

Specializes in OB, Surgical, ER.

Does anyone know how to get bowel prep into a patient who doesn't swallow? We asked the surgeon and he said to put in an ng tube and put it in that way but we couldn't get the ng tube in-pt is very confused and combative and will not follow commands.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, School Nurse.

Are you talking Mag Citrate, or Golytely? If it is Mag Citrate, have you iced it or tried the other flavor? We used to drop a NG or feeding tube in, confirm with x-ray, and administer it that way. Beware though, you are going to have a huge mess. Please post what worked for you.

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Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.

How about enemas until clear? Not the best solution, but it's better than nothing. (Obviously you'll need an order for it).

Or, better yet, have the doctor come drop the NG himself or if he has residents, get one of them to do it.

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Specializes in OB, Surgical, ER.

The ng was iced but we ended up calling the doc to deal with-probably enemas till clear.

Thanks guys.

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