A nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed oral medication to a client who has a nasogastric (NG) tube connected to low intermittent wall suction. The medication has been appropriately crushed and dissolved in sterile water. Arrange the following nursing actions in the correct chronological order.
- 1Disconnect the NG tube from the suction source and verify proper tube placement.
- 2Flush the enteral tube with 30 mL of water using a large-barrel syringe.
- 3Pour the dissolved medication mixture into the syringe barrel and allow it to flow by gravity.
- 4Flush the tube again with 15 to 30 mL of water.
- 5Clamp the NG tube and leave it disconnected from suction for at least 30 minutes.
Answer
The correct sequence is to first pause suction and verify placement, flush for patency, administer the medication, flush to clear the line, and finally clamp the tube to allow for absorption.
Safe administration of enteral medications requires a systematic approach. The nurse must first ensure safety by pausing suction and verifying placement. Once verified, flushing ensures patency, followed by gravity administration of the medication, and a subsequent flush to clear the line. Finally, clamping the tube prevents the medication from being immediately suctioned out, allowing for gastric absorption.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Enteral Medication Administration Principles