Final answer:
Nasogastric and gastrostomy tubes require careful management including administering meds in liquid form or dissolved, preventing clogging with regular water flushes, and maintaining patient safety and comfort.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nasogastric and gastrostomy tubes are medical devices used to provide nutrition to patients who cannot ingest food orally. The nursing implications for the management of these tubes include ensuring meds are administered in the correct form, preventing clogging, and maintaining patient comfort and safety. To prevent clogging of the tubes, medications should be given in liquid form if possible, or crushed and dissolved if they are only available in tablet or capsule form. The mixture has to be thin enough to pass through the tubing, usually about 2-inch in diameter, without causing a blockage. In addition, a water flush should be used before and after medication administration and feedings to maintain tube patency. Simulated training with materials such as cooked oatmeal or rice, coloring material, and selected food items can help nurses practice these skills. Other considerations include regular monitoring of tube placement, proper securing of the tube to prevent dislodgment, and keeping the insertion site clean to prevent infection.
Using aids such as a water bottle for flushing, a bucket of water, and paper towels are practical for maintaining cleanliness and efficiency during the administration of feedings and medications. Nurses should also be adept at recognizing complications such as tube dislodgement, signs of infection at the insertion site, and symptoms of intolerance to tube feedings.