How to Safely Administer Medication Through a Feeding Tube Show
What route of administration is G tube?A gastrostomy tube is a tube that is placed directly into the stomach for feeding. A small surgical opening is made through the abdominal wall into the stomach, and the tube is sutured to hold it in place. This type of tube is often used for a resident who may require tube feedings for an extended period of time. What is G tube medication administration? A GASTROSTOMY TUBE (GT) is an enteral feeding device placed endoscopically, radiologically, or surgically with its tip in the patient’s stomach. Your primary goal when administering medication through a GT is to optimize the drug’s therapeutic action without interfering with enteral nutrition. Why is it important to administer medications one at a time via feeding tubes?The drug’s physical and chemical properties control its release and subsequent absorption. These very specific delivery mechanisms may be altered or destroyed if the drug is administered through a feeding tube, reducing its effectiveness or increasing the risk of toxicity. What are the concerns during medication administration through feeding tubes?OVERVIEW. Guidelines for the safe administration of drugs through an enteral feeding tube are available, but research shows that often nurses don’t adhere to them. This can lead to medication error and tube obstruction, reduced drug effectiveness, and an increased risk of toxicity. What are concerns of drug administration via feeding tubes? What medications can be given through NG tube?Partial List of Liquid Medications That Contain Considerable Amounts of Sorbitol With Typical Daily Dosing[20,21]
How to administer medicine via a gastrostomy/PEG tube?Adults Medicines administration via a gastrostomy/PEG tubePage 3 Measure the water for diluting Mix the medicine Attach the syringe to the tube Administer the medicine: (a) (b) Repeat the procedure if necessary Make sure you mix the medicine and water together well. Do not allow the mixture to stand as the medication may thicken on standing. Do you have to flush g tube before administering medications? Be sure and check for G-Tube placement prior to administering medications if required per facilitypolicy. Flush the G-Tube after checking for placement, and before any medications are administered. Checkorder for amount of fluid to be used for the flush. Placement does not have to be verified for a J-Tube. What is the gravity method of giving medicine?Some medicines can be given using a gravity method where the plunger is removed from the syringe, and the medicine is poured into the barrel and allowed to flow by gravity into the tube. Always refer to local policy for the desired method. What is a jejunal tube used for?A jejunal tube (J-tube) is an artificial opening into the jejunum through the abdominal wall. It may be a permanent or temporary opening, and is used for feeding or medication administration. Usually the NG tube or the G-tube/J-tube will be attached to an electronic feeding pump that controls the flow of fluid.
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References: Bowden, V. R., & Greenberg, C. S. (2016). Pediatric nursing procedures (eBook) (4th Edition). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health. Connecticut State Department of Education. (2012). Clinical Procedure Guidelines for Connecticut School Nurses. Available at: http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/pdf/publications/clinical_guidelines/clinical_guidelines.pdf Kimberly Clark. (2010). MIC-KEY care and usage guide. Available at: www.mic-key.com/resources/mic-keystar-care–usage-guide.aspx Pavia, M. (2012). National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Infection. Prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections in primary and community care. London (UK): National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 47 p. Acknowledgment of Update Reviewer: Marcy Weidkamp, APNPPediatric Gastroenterology American Family Children’s Hospital Chapter 6. Non-Parenteral Medication Administration Medication is usually given orally, which is generally the most comfortable and convenient route for the patient. Medication given orally has a slower onset and a more prolonged, but less potent, effect than medication administered by other routes (Lynn, 2011). Prior to oral administration of medications, ensure that the patient has no contraindications to receiving oral medication, is able to swallow, and is not on gastric suction. If the patient is having difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), some tablets may be crushed using a clean mortar and pestle for easier administration. Verify that a tablet may be crushed by consulting a drug reference or a pharmacist. Medications such as enteric-coated tablets, capsules, and sustained-release or long-acting drugs should never be crushed because doing so will affect the intended action of the medication. Tablets should be crushed one at a time and not mixed, so that it is possible to tell drugs apart if there is a spill. You may mix the medication in a small amount of soft food, such as applesauce or pudding. Position the patient in a side-lying or upright position to decrease the risk of aspiration. Offer a glass of water or other oral fluid (that is not contraindicated with the medication) to ease swallowing and improve absorption and dissolution of the medication, taking any fluid restrictions into account. Remain with the patient until all medication has been swallowed before signing that you administered the medication. Checklist 44 outlines the steps for administering medication by mouth.
Medication via a Gastric TubePatients with a gastric tube (nasogastric, nasointestinal, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy [PEG], or jejenostomy [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. Certain solid forms of medication can be crushed and mixed with water prior to administration. Checklist 45 outlines the steps for administering medication via a gastric tube.
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