Final answer:
After administering medication via a PEG tube, the nurse should flush the tube with water, document the procedure, ensure the tube's placement, and consult with the medical team regarding the patient's recovery and care.
Step-by-step explanation:
After administering a dose of medication through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube, a nurse should flush the tube with water to ensure that all of the medication has entered the stomach and to maintain tube patency. This is often performed with a prescribed amount of sterile or distilled water. Additionally, proper documentation of the medication administration is essential. This includes recording the name of the medication, the dosage, the time of administration, and any observations related to the procedure such as the patient’s response to the medication. For safety, the nurse should also follow any protocols for checking the tube placement and functioning before and after medication administration.
It is important that nurses adhere to aseptic technique throughout the process to prevent infections. Following the administration and flushing of the PEG tube, the nurse should consult with the medical team regarding any concerns or observations and to ensure continuity of care. During this time, the medical team may review key concerns for the recovery and care of the patient, keeping in mind the potential effects and pharmacokinetics of the administered medication.