Gastrointestinal System Disorders Q 321

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Nurse Joy is preparing to administer medication through a nasogastric tube that is connected to suction. To administer the medication, the nurse would:

  

    A. Position the client supine to assist in medication absorption

    B. Aspirate the nasogastric tube after medication administration to maintain patency

    C. Clamp the nasogastric tube for 30 minutes following administration of the medication

    D. Change the suction setting to low intermittent suction for 30 minutes after medication administration

    

    

Correct Answer: C. Clamp the nasogastric tube for 30 minutes following administration of the medication.

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If a client has a nasogastric tube connected to suction, the nurse should wait up to 30 minutes before reconnecting the tube to the suction apparatus to allow adequate time for medication absorption. Flush 10 ml of water between medications. This step prevents interactions between medications. After the last medication has been given, flush the tube with 30 ml of water. Flushing prevents blocking of the tube.

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Option A: The client should not be placed in the supine position because of the risk of aspiration. Help the patient to a high sitting position unless contraindicated. This position reduces the risk of aspiration during swallowing. Pour medication and water solution into the 60 ml syringe, release pinch, and allow fluid to drain slowly by gravity into the gastric tube.

Option B: Aspirating the nasogastric tube will remove the medication just administered. Patients with a gastric tube (nasogastric, nasointestinal, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy [PEG], or jejunostomy [J] tube) will often receive medication through this tube (Lynn, 2011). Liquid medications should always be used when possible because absorption is better and less likely to cause blockage of the tube.

Option D: Low intermittent suction also will remove the medication just administered. Determine if medication should be given with or without food. If the medication is to be given on an empty stomach, the enteral feeding may need to be stopped from 30 minutes before until 30 minutes after the medication is given. Follow specific medication guidelines to ensure adequate absorption and distribution of the medication.

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