Get to know the use of a nasogastric tube and its treatment

Insertion of a nasogastric tube or nasogastric tube (NGT) is often performed for give food and medicine to the patient, or forempty stomach. Not only attached while in the hospital, a nasogastric tube can also be attached until the patient returns home.

Nasogastric tube (nasogastric tube/NGT, also known as a feeding tube or sonde, is a soft plastic tube that is inserted through the nose (nasal) into the stomach (gastric). In order not to shift position, the tube will be attached to the skin near the nose with adhesive tape.

The purpose of insertion of a nasogastric tube is to assist in the administration of food and medicine to patients who cannot take food or medicine by mouth, such as premature infants or comatose patients. In addition, a nasogastric tube can also be used to remove gas or fluid from the stomach.

In addition to the nose, the tube can also be inserted through the mouth (oral). This tube is known as an orogastric tube.orogastric tube/OGT).

NGT and OGT are used for the same purpose, but an orogastric tube is usually placed in patients who cannot use a nasogastric tube, such as patients with nasal injuries or newborns who need to breathe completely through the nose.

Conditions Requiring a Nasogastric Tube

One of the purposes of the insertion of a nasogastric tube is to provide nutrition, namely to:

  • Patients in a coma
  • Patients who experience narrowing or obstruction of the digestive tract
  • Patients who use breathing apparatus (ventilator)
  • Babies born prematurely or suffering from congenital abnormalities
  • Patients who are unable to chew or swallow, for example those with stroke or dysphagia

In addition, insertion of a nasogastric tube can also be performed for gastric contents sampling and gastric emptying, for example to remove toxic substances.

Effect Samping Pgold SHawk Nasogastric

Some of the side effects that can arise from the insertion of a nasogastric tube are nausea and vomiting, flatulence, and the rise of food and medicine from the stomach. In addition, there is a risk of injury to the nose, esophagus, and stomach during tube insertion.

Duration Puse SHawk Nasogastric

The length of time a nasogastric tube is used depends on the patient's condition and the purpose of the insertion, but should only be used for a short period of time. This hose can last up to 4–6 weeks, but should be replaced every 3–7 days or as needed.

Maintenance SHawk Nasogastric in Rhome

If you have a family member who must continue to use a nasogastric tube after hospital discharge, the following are important things you should know about nasogastric tube care:

  • Before leaving the hospital, ask the doctor or nurse about how to prepare food and give it via a nasogastric tube, and don't forget to ask for a feeding schedule.
  • Wash your hands before and after touching the hose.
  • Before giving food or medicine, make sure the tube is still firmly attached by looking at the location of the marker on the tube, and making sure the adhesive tape is still in place.
  • When feeding up to 1 hour after eating, keep the patient upright so that the head is higher than the stomach.
  • Adhere the adhesive tape well to keep the hose in place. The adhesive tape can be changed daily, or when it gets dirty or wet. Before removing the adhesive tape, apply a small amount of water over it and the area around it, then gently remove it.
  • Rinse the tube after each feeding or medication, to prevent the tube from becoming clogged. The trick is to drain the water using syringe recommended by the doctor.
  • Maintain the patient's oral hygiene by brushing his teeth and giving him mouthwash, or as directed by the doctor.
  • The patient can still bathe as usual after the tube cap is securely attached and the adhesive tape is firmly attached. After showering, dry your nose and adhesive tape until completely dry.
  • Clean and dry the skin around the patient's nose with warm water at regular intervals. Apply a moisturizing cream to the skin in the nose area, especially if there is redness.
  • If there is a blockage in the nasogastric tube, make sure the tube is not bent or bent, then run warm water on medium strength using syringe.
  • If the patient needs to use a nasogastric tube for a long time, change the nasogastric tube periodically with the help of a doctor or medical officer. Do not attempt to insert a nasogastric tube yourself if you have not been trained to do so.

Sign Bahaya Puse SHawk Nasogastric

Call your doctor or medical officer immediately if you find that a patient using a nasogastric tube has the following conditions:

  • Hard to breathe
  • Throw up
  • Pain in the pit of the heart
  • Fever
  • Irritation, redness, peeling of the skin, or swelling of the nostril where the nasogastric tube is attached
  • Blockage in the hose that cannot be resolved by rinsing at home

Transition and Adaptation to Return to EatingThroughMmouth

If the patient is considered ready to start eating as usual, the switch can be made under the supervision of a doctor or medical officer. Some of the ways this can be done are:

  • Give alternately through a nasogastric tube and directly through the mouth.
  • Give soft-textured foods first, then increase the density slowly.
  • Note the patient's ability to chew and swallow food, nutritional status, and adequate fluid intake. Also monitor if he has problems with the respiratory tract, such as choking, during the transition process.
  • Make a meal schedule according to the doctor's recommendations.

If the patient is able to eat directly and his nutritional needs are met, then the nasogastric tube can be removed and the patient can fully return to eating by mouth.

Although it causes discomfort and is a risk for side effects, a nasogastric tube is very important to provide nutrition and medicine to the patient, if oral administration of food or medicine is not possible. As long as the use and care of the nasogastric tube is carried out correctly according to the doctor's advice, the risk of side effects can be minimized. Therefore, if you are still confused or have difficulty in caring for a nasogastric tube at home, do not hesitate to ask your doctor.

 Written by:

Andi Marsa Nadhira