4. Preparing & Administration of Medications via Nasogastric Tube (NGT)

Summary

This video provides a detailed guide on administering medications through a nasogastric tube (NGT). It covers the preparation of various types of medications, including liquid, tablet, and capsule forms, with specific steps for ensuring proper dissolution and avoiding tube blockages. The video also explains the correct technique for administering the medications through the NGT, followed by essential water flushes to maintain tube function. It emphasizes the importance of following pharmacist instructions for medication timing and ensuring the patient's comfort during and after the procedure.

Takeaways

• 😀 Medications for nasogastric tube feeding may come in various forms, such as liquid, tablet, or capsule.
• 😀 It is important to follow the pharmacist's advice on the timing of medication administration to ensure optimal effectiveness.
• 😀 Medications should be carefully prepared to prevent the nasogastric tube from becoming blocked.
• 😀 Liquid medications should be shaken gently before administration and poured into a medication cup.
• 😀 Tablet medications should be crushed into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle before being dissolved in water.
• 😀 Hot gelatin capsules should be opened, and the powdered contents should be dissolved in a small amount of water.
• 😀 Soft gelatin capsules should be punctured, and the contents should be emptied into a medication cup with water added for mixing.
• 😀 Some medications, like Nexium, may have a protective coating and should not be crushed or mixed improperly.
• 😀 Always wash hands thoroughly before preparing and administering medications to prevent contamination.
• 😀 When administering medications, check the position of the nasogastric tube and ensure the patient is tolerating the feeding well.
• 😀 After medication administration, flush the nasogastric tube with water to prevent blockage and ensure proper medication delivery.

Q & A

Why is it important to separate certain medications from milk when delivering through a nasogastric tube?

Some medications may lose their effectiveness if taken together with milk, so it's crucial to separate them to ensure the best effect of the medications.

What are the different forms of medications that can be delivered through a nasogastric tube?

Medications may come in various forms including liquid, tablet, uncoated tablet, hot gelatin capsule, and soft gelatin capsule.

What is the first step in preparing medications for nasogastric tube feeding?

The first step is to wash your hands with soap and dry them thoroughly to maintain hygiene.

How should liquid medications be prepared for nasogastric tube administration?

Liquid medications should be gently shaken to ensure proper mixing, then the prescribed amount should be poured into a medication cup.

What should you do when preparing tablet medications for nasogastric tube feeding?

Tablet medications should be placed in a mortar, ground into a fine powder using a pestle, and dissolved completely in water before administration.

How should hot gelatin capsules be prepared for nasogastric tube feeding?

Hot gelatin capsules should be separated, with the powdered contents emptied into a cup, and mixed with a small amount of water until dissolved.

What is the recommended procedure for preparing soft gelatin capsules?

A small opening should be cut in the soft gelatin capsule to empty its contents into a medication cup, followed by adding water and stirring until the mixture is dissolved.

What special consideration should be made when preparing medications like Nexium for nasogastric tube feeding?

Medications like Nexium may have a protective coating that prevents them from being crushed. It's important to ensure they dissolve properly to prevent tube blockages.

What steps should be followed when administering tablet and capsule medications through a nasogastric tube?

First, ensure the medication mixture is fully dissolved by swirling the solution. Draw the mixture into a syringe, add 5 ml of air, and administer the medication in 10 mL increments, followed by flushing the tube with water.

How do you administer liquid medications through a nasogastric tube?

To administer liquid medications, attach the syringe to the nasogastric tube, slowly pour the medication into the syringe, and allow it to flow through the tube. Afterward, flush the tube with water to prevent blockages.

What should be done after medication administration to ensure the nasogastric tube remains clear?

After administering medications, the tube should be flushed with water (about 30 mL) to prevent blockages, and the feeding port should be recapped afterward.

Why is it important to keep the care recipient in an upright position after administering medications through a nasogastric tube?

Keeping the care recipient in an upright position for at least 30 minutes helps to prevent regurgitation and ensures the proper absorption of the medications.