Nasogastric Tubes Insertion and Feeding

Nasogastric tube feedings are used for infants and youngsters who aren't ready to absorb enough calories orally. Tube feedings also are given to older children who cannot eat orally. The tube is inserted into the nose or mouth and slid into the stomach. The formula is then put into the tube and flows through it into the stomach. A nasogastricfeeding tube with a guide wire may be a soft silicone tube which will be left in situ for up to a month. Because the tube is soft, it's less likely to irritate the nose, throat and oesophagus.

You Will Need

Feeding tube with guide wire

Large pin

Formula prescribed by your doctor

Stethoscope

Luerlock syringe - 60 mL.

Scissors

Measuring container and spoon

Tape (1-inch cloth or paper tape)

Water soluble lubricant (K-Y Jelly or Surgilube)

Preparing to put the Tube

Wash your hands.

Pour prepared formula into the measuring container and stir. Place the container during a pan

of predicament and let the formula reach temperature.

Cut a 2-inch piece of tape. Then cut the tape lengthwise to the centre. Place the tape

over the bridge of the child's nose, keeping the lower piece liberal to wrap round the tube

after it's placed.

Place the top of the NG tube with the two small holes in it at the tip of the child's nose and measure to his ear lobe. Then from that time on the tube, measure down halfway between the tip of the breastbone and therefore the navel. Mark the tube at now with a bit of tape. The tape will allow you to skills far to insert the tube to succeed in the stomach. Place the kid during a sitting position. An infant should be placed on his or her back with the top of the bed raised. You'll got to wrap your baby during a blanket to stay his arms down during the procedure.

Placing the Tube

What the NG tube seems like on a toddler once in situ

Dip the top of the feeding tube into about 3 inches of water to lubricate it (make it slippery).

Put the tube slowly into the nose, aiming toward the ear lobe. Using gentle pressure, keep inserting until the tape-marked place on the tube reaches the surface of the child's nose. If the tube doesn't enter easily, remove it. Reposition the kid, wet the top of the tube, and check out again. The tube may go down easier if you've got an infant suck on a pacifier or an older child drink small sips of water. After the tube is in situ, carefully remove the guide wire.

Use the free end of the tape on the child's nose to stay

A taping device within the package

may be used rather than the 1-inch cloth or paper.

Check the location of the tube (See below.)

The tube could also be coiled up and taped to the child's back. Otherwise, you may use an outsized pin or tape to secure the tubing to the child's clothing.

How to Check the location of the Tube

You must check to form sure the tube is within the stomach whenever before a feeding:

Pull back on the plunger of the syringe to draw up 5mL of air.

Place the syringe on the top of the NG tube while the opposite opening is capped off.

Place the stethoscope over the child's stomach (upper left side of the abdomen).

Inject the air into the tube and listen for a "whoosh" sound. This sound will tell you the tube is within the right place. If you are doing not hear this sound, remove the tube and repeat the steps in Placing the Tube and steps 1 through 4 of the way to Check the location of the Tube.

If you hear the "whoosh" sound, the tube is within the stomach. Hold the tube in situ and gently pull back on the guide wire to get rid of it. Throw away the wire. Never put the guide wire back to the NG tube after the tube is within the child.

Feeding Your Child

After you check the location of the tube, you'll feed your child. Sitting and holding baby with one arm and pouring food into the tube with the opposite

Test the temperature of the formula by dropping a couple of drops on the within of your wrist. It should feel warm, not hot.

Remove the plunger from the syringe.

Put the tip of the syringe into the open end of the Infant Nasogastric Feeding Tube. Keep the opposite end capped.

Hold the tip of the syringe no above 10 inches above the child's head. the peak of the syringe affects how briskly the formula goes in. Holding it above 10 inches may make the stomach puffy and therefore the child may vomit.

Pinch the tube while you pour the formula into the syringe.

Release the tube and let the formula enter the stomach slowly. Keep adding more formula because the syringe empties (Picture 3). Feed your child slowly over 15 to twenty minutes.

If the formula doesn't flow, change your child's position. If the formula still doesn't flow, put the plunger into the syringe and gently push enough to start out the formula flowing again then remove the plunger.

You may give your child a pacifier to suck on during feedings.

If your child begins to vomit during the feeding, keep the child's head upright, face turned to the proper side, and stop the feeding immediately. Wait until the vomiting stops before you begin the feeding again.

Note: Some children cannot handle 20-minute feedings given by syringe. If your child has trouble with syringe feedings, your doctor may order continuous feedings employing a special pump. The pump slows down the speed at which the formula goes in. If your child needs a pump, a nurse from the equipment supply company will teach you to use it.

After the Feeding

Pour 5 to 10 mL of water into the syringe after giving the formula. The water helps clear the tube to stop clogging and reduces the prospect of infection.

Remove the syringe. Place the cap on the tube.

Infants should be burped after every 2 to three ounces and after feedings.

If you set your child to bed after the feeding, put him in bed on his right This lets the formula follow the traditional course of the intestinal tract.

Raise the top of the bed 30 degrees. this will be done by placing a pillow under the mattress.

If your child begins to vomit, turn your child's head to the side and unclamp the tube.

Cleaning the Equipment

Place a clean towel on a tray.

Rinse the syringe, spoon and measuring container with cold water. Then wash them in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry.

Place the clean items on the tray.

Cover with a towel and store during a cupboard out of the reach of youngsters.

Removing the Tube

To remove the tube, loosen the tape, pinch the tube, and gently pull the tube out of the nose.

Place the tube within the other nostril once you replace it.

Change the tube once a month, unless it becomes clogged, dirty, or damaged.