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Lesson 36. Administration of Medication Through A Nasogastric Tube

1-36. ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION THROUGH A NASOGASTRIC TUBE

a. Pour required liquid medication into medicine cup. (Pills must be crushed and capsules opened.)

b. Unless contraindicated, add 15-20 ml of water. Stir thoroughly, using a clean tongue blade.

c. Place medication, tongue blade, a cup of water, and a 30-50 ml catheter tip syringe on a tray, and take to the patient's bedside.

d. Clamp the drainage tubing and the nasogastric tube.

e. Disconnect the nasogastric tube from the drainage tubing.

NOTE: If suction drainage is not in use, it will be necessary to check the placement of the nasogastric tube by other means. Gentle aspiration with a syringe to check for stomach contents will verify that the tube is in the stomach.

f. Remove the plunger from the syringe. Insert the syringe tip into the nasogastric tube and pour the medication into the syringe. Release the clamp, allowing the medication to flow into the nasogastric tube.

g. Follow the medication with 30 ml of water to clear the tube. Replace clamp.

h. Reconnect the nasogastric tube to the drainage tubing, leaving the clamps in place. Unless otherwise ordered, the nasogastric tube should remain clamped for at least one hour to allow absorption of the medication.

i. Record the time, medication type and amount, and the amount of water administered on the I&O worksheet. Also note the time the tube was clamped and the time it is to be unclamped.

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