Verify Orders
Check original physician's order for the type of NG tube and its attachment (suction or drainage)
Client Assessment
Have client close each nostril alternately and breathe to assess nostril patency
Examine each naris for any skin breakdown
Assess mental status, gag and cough reflexes, swallowing ability, critical condition, and presence of an artificial airway
Perform an abdominal assessment for bowel sounds, pain, tenderness, or distention
Identify the client using two identifiers
Preparation
Perform hand hygiene
Position client in high Fowler's position unless contraindicated
Measure the length of the tube (tip of nose to earlobe to xiphoid process), marking with tape
Prepare NG Tube for Intubation
Inject 10 ml of water into the NG tube to ensure patentness
Wear clean gloves
Stand to the right of the client if right-handed, or the left if left-handed
Curve the end of the tube tightly around the index finger (10-15 cm or 4-6 inches) to reduce stiffness
Lubricate 7.5 to 10 cm (3-4 inches) of the tube end with water-soluble lubricant
Explain the procedure to the client and instruct them to extend their neck back against the pillow
Insertion Process
Insert tube gently through the naris with the curved end pointing downwards
Advance along the floor of the nasal passage toward the ear
Apply gentle pressure to advance if resistance occurs but do not force it
If resistance persists, rotate the tube and try re-inserting; if still resistant, withdraw and try the other naris
Once past the nasopharynx, allow the client to relax and explain that the client must swallow during the next steps
Offer a glass of water (unless contraindicated) and instruct the client to flex their head forward, sip, and swallow as you advance the tube 2.5-5 cm (1-2 inches) with each swallow
Adjusting the Tube
If the client coughs, gag, or chokes, withdraw slightly and stop advancement
Allow client to breathe and sip water
If tube coils in the oropharynx, check and reinsert while the client swallows
Continue advancing until reaching the marking on the tube that indicates the desired distance
Anchoring the Tube
Temporarily anchor the tube to the cheek with tape until placement is verified
Policies
Follow agency policies for verifying tube placement
Verification Techniques
Ask the client to speak; inability to talk indicates tube passing through vocal cords
Inspect the posterior pharynx for coiled tubes
Place towel under the tube end and attach a syringe; aspirate gently for gastric contents and observe color
Use pH paper to check aspirate for gastric pH (should be 1.0-11.0)
X-ray Verification
Obtain x-ray as ordered if tube placement is in question
If initial placement is not confirmed, advance another 2.5-5 cm (1-2 inches) and repeat verification
Anchor the tube securely once placement is verified
Patient Positioning and Care
Always place the patient in high Fowler's position before administering feeds or medications
Large aspirates may indicate delayed gastric emptying; this can lead to distress and vomiting
Flush with 30-60 ml of room temperature water post-administering medication/feeds to prevent blockage
Document tube placement verification, residual amount and color, feed dates/times, responses, water amount administered, any adverse effects, and nurse's initials/signature
Pre-Insertion Preparations
Verify physician orders and gather supplies
Knock, introduce yourself, and ensure privacy
Explain the procedure and verify allergies (latex, iodine)
Raise the bed to a comfortable height and assess client's last void
Client Positioning and Initial Steps
Don clean gloves and palpate for bladder fullness
Provide perineal care if necessary
Position client in dorsal recumbent or supine with thighs abducted; lower side rails
Promote client involvement
Sterile Procedure Setup
Remove gloves and wash hands
Open catheter kit using sterile technique; place sterile drape between legs
Don sterile gloves, set up field, and attach a 10 ml syringe to the catheter (do NOT inflate balloon yet)
Lubricate the catheter tip and prepare antiseptic swabs
Insertion Technique
MALE: Hold penis at 60-90 degree angle and cleanse from meatus outward in circular motion (3 swabs)
FEMALE: Spread labia to view meatus; cleanse area, starting from labia to meatus with new swabs each time
Insert the catheter into the urethra until urine is noted (6-7 inches for males, 2-4 inches for females); advance an extra 1-2 inches for females after initial urine stream
Inflate catheter balloon and disconnect syringe; gently pull back until resistance is felt; return foreskin if applicable
Secure the catheter to the thigh and document details post-insertion
Definition and Purpose
A behavioral therapy to improve bladder control and reduce incontinence
Involves gradually increasing intervals between urination to allow the bladder to hold more
Implementation Steps
Track urination frequency and amount
Establish a schedule for urination
Encourage complete bladder emptying
Fluid Outputs
Aldosterone regulates Na+ and water excretion; ADH regulates water excretion
Minimum urine output necessary: 30ml/hr
Best water balance indicator: daily weights
Insensible fluid loss mainly occurs via respiration and sweat
Hypervolemia (Fluid Excess)
Causes: Liver disease, renal damage, excessive salt intake, SIDAH
Symptoms: N/V, headache, confusion; untreated can lead to hyponatremia and coma
Treatment: Focus on excess fluid removal
Hypovolemia (Dehydration)
Causes: Fever, heat exposure, vomiting, diuretics, lack of drinking water
Symptoms: Poor skin turgor, thirst, confusion; may lead to hypotension and reduced urine output
Treatment: Fluid resuscitation
Electrolyte Overview
Electrolytes: charged particles in water (Na+, K+, Ca++, Mg++)
Hyperkalemia (High Potassium)
Normal range: 3.5 – 5; Levels above indicate hyperkalemia
Causes: kidney failure, RBC destruction, potassium supplements
Symptoms: muscle fatigue, hypotension, arrhythmias
Treatment: Monitor cardiovascular, renal, GI status; administer diuretics
Hypokalemia (Low Potassium)
Levels below 3.5; Causes: diarrhea, vomiting, alcohol use
Symptoms: weakness, constipation, arrhythmias
Treatment: potassium supplements or IV administration
Hyponatremia and Hypernatremia
Hyponatremia: Levels below 135; caused by inadequate intake, fluid overload, symptoms include headache, confusion
Hypernatremia: Levels above 145; caused by dehydration, symptoms include dry mucous membranes, confusion
Magnesium (Mg++) Levels
Normal: 1.5 – 2.5; hypermagnesemia above 2.5 can cause cardiac issues
Calcium (Ca++) Levels
Normal: 8-10; Hypercalcemia above 10 causes symptoms like confusion and lethargy
Hypocalcemia below 8 demonstrates symptoms such as anxiety and muscle spasms
Importance of pH Homeostasis
Ideal ratio: 1 part carbonic acid to 20 parts bicarbonate
Body systems involved include blood buffers, lungs, and kidneys
ABG Normal Values
pH: 7.35 – 7.45; PaCO2: 35 – 45 mm Hg; PaO2: 80 – 100 mm Hg
Types of Imbalances
Respiratory acidosis/alkalosis, metabolic acidosis/alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis: Low pH with increased CO2; signs include headache, hypoventilation
Respiratory alkalosis: High pH with decreased CO2; symptoms include hyperventilation
Metabolic acidosis: Low pH with decreased bicarbonate; symptoms include nausea and muscle twitching
Metabolic alkalosis: High pH with increased bicarbonate; symptoms include confusion and tremors
Pneumonia
Inflammation of airspaces due to infection or aspiration; symptoms include cough, fever
Treated with CXR, ABG’s, antibiotics
Emphysema & Chronic Bronchitis
Causes: smoking and pollution; symptoms include dyspnea and productive cough
Treated via pulmonary function tests, bronchodilators
Procedure
Wipe from front to back, urinate in toilet before collecting sample in sterile cup
Types: Non-small cell and small cell lung cancer
Risk Factors: Smoking, family history, occupational exposure
Symptoms: Persistent cough, hemoptysis, unexplained weight loss
Surgery: Lobectomy, pneumonectomy
Chemotherapy/Targeted Therapy: For advanced cases
Patient History: Evaluate pain, fatigue, weight changes, respiratory symptoms
Physical Examination: Assess general appearance, vital signs, systemic systems
Comprehensive cancer assessment addresses physical and emotional health; guides symptom management and patient care.