Gastric Gavage

Gastric Gavage The introduction of nourishment into the stomach by means of a tube passed through the nose or mouth. Purpose: To provide nourishment with food and/or medication.

Equipments Nasogastric tube Prescribed feeding formula Calibrated drinking glass Bowl with

Asepto syringe Medicine glass with tap water Syringe 50 cc for aspiration

Procedure A. Preparation at the nurse’s station: • Pour specific amount & kind of formula into a calibrated glass. • Place the glass into a bowl of warm water & warm feeding to approx. body temperature

B. Syringe or Funnel Method (by gravity flow) 2.Explain to the patient what and why is the procedure to be done. 3.Help the patient to assume a sitting position. If contraindicated, elevate slightly the head of the bed

3. Place towel on the chest or preferably on the side where feeding will be given. 4. Hold the end of the nasogastric tube & bend over itself or pinch it off. 5. Attach the syringe barrel to the free end of the tube. 6. Keeping the tube pinched

7. Release the pinch on the tube & allow the feeding to flow slowly by gravity. 8. Maintain the height of the gavage container at 8 – 12 inch ( 1 foot) above the patient’s level. a. if the formula is thick or fails to flow, raise the container a bit or apply slight

9. When the required amount of formula is consumed, follow with 30 – 60 cc of water. 10. Clamp & disconnect the tube as soon as the water has emptied into the tubing. 11. Cover the end of the nasogastric tube with a piece of gauze.

12. Keep patient in a sitting position or in his right side for an hour or more. 13. Remove the towel; keep patient comfortable. 14. Clean and return used equipment Chart: e.Time the feeding was given. f.Type and amount of feeding