Policies And Procedures For the Insertion and Management of Fine Bore Naso-gastric (N/G) Tubes in Adults Co-ordinator Dorothy Barber Nutrition Nurse Specialist Reviewer: Approver: Dr A McKinlay Consultant Gastro-enterologist Signature Signature Signature Identifier Review Date: Date UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED VERSION 1 Title: Policies and Procedures for the Insertion and Management of Fine Bore Naso-Gastric (N/G) Feeding Tubes in Adults Policy Ref: Across NHS Boards Organisation Wide Directorate Clinical Service Sub Department Area Yes This controlled document shall not be copied in part or whole without the express permission of the author or the author’s representative. Review date: July 2007 Author: Dorothy Barber Nutrition Nurse Specialist (Adults) Policy application: NHS Grampian Purpose: To give all staff guidance on the management and care of fine bore N/G tubes Responsibilities for implementation: Organisational: Clinical group: Corporate: Departmental: Area: Review: This policy will be reviewed every 2 years Approved by: Date: Signature: Designation: 2 Introduction Nasogastric (n/g) feeding is the most suitable route for patients requiring short term feeding, (up to 4weeks) or for patients awaiting procedures to provide longer term access e.g. gastrostomy tube. The nasogastric route is used for the provision of nutrients directly into the stomach. It is many years since the advantages of fine bore tubes (12fg) was first recognised (Macatear et al 1999). Bastow (1986) stated that problems such as nasopharyngeal discomfort, oesophagitis, ulceration, gastric erosions, excessive gagging and sinusitis were caused by the rigidity of the larger bore PVC tubes. Taylor (1988) described the benefits of the fine bore tubes having the advantage of flexibility, nasal comfort and allowing normal swallowing where appropriate. They also reduce the lower oesophageal incompetence and subsequent increased risk of reflux and aspiration which may occur with large bore tubes. There are a variety of materials used for fine bore tubes, PVC, polyurethane and silicone. PVC is a harder material which is not tissue compatible and therefore has a lifespan of approximately 10 days. It is useful as a cheap short-term tube where the patient is either on bolus feeding and removing the tube between feeds or the patient is anxious or confused and accidentally removing the tube regularly. Silicone is the most expensive material and rarely used because of this. It has a lifespan of many months. Polyurethane is the most commonly used material in n/g tubes, as it is tissue compatible with a thin wall allowing maximum internal diameter. Manufacturers will give guidelines on how long these tubes can remain insitu. The use of fine bore n/g tubes for enteral nutrition and hydration is becoming more common. It is vital that they are passed safely into the stomach and that there position is confirmed on initial placement and on subsequent use. Poorly positioned tubes leave vulnerable patients open to the risks of regurgitation and aspiration. Colagiovanni (1999) noted that it was the nurse’s responsibility to verify correct placement prior to any use of the n/g tube. See appendices 1 & 2 Bockus (1991) found that the smaller the syringe the greater the pressure created therefore it is recommended that a 20ml syringe should be the smallest used to prevent tube rupture. A 50ml syringe is preferred. 3 Documentation It is important that the following information is documented for the patient receiving enteral nutrition via the n/g tube route to allow member of the team caring for the patient to give optimum care. 1. Consent 2. Type of tube 3. How tube position confirmed 4. When due changed It is important that the fact the patient is on n/g nutrition support is also documented on the medicine kardex. Naysmith (1998) reported potential problems with inappropriate drug administration where it had not been highlighted that the n/g route was being used. 4 General Directions Pre Procedure The following are a set of general instructions to be observed prior to commencing any procedure. Procedure Rationale 1. Wash and dry hands. 1. To minimise the risk of cross infection. 2. Clean trolley/tray/flat surface as per NHS Grampian Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilisation Policy. 2. To minimise the risk of infection 3. Prepare and assemble all 3. Procedure can be completed equipment required for procedure. without interruption. 4. Reassure and explain the procedure to the patient/relative in terms that can be understood and gain verbal consent. 4. To have a patient/relative who is knowledgeable of the procedure and a healthcare worker who has been given the authority to proceed. 5. Ensure privacy during the procedure, do not expose the patient unnecessarily and avoid draughts. 5. To avoid unnecessary embarrassment to the patient and minimise airborne contamination. 6. Provide adequate lighting. 6. To enable clear observation. 7. Wear clean disposable white apron. 7. To lessen the possibility of uniform contamination. 5 Post Procedure The following are a set of general instructions to be observed when a procedure has been completed. Procedure Rationale 1. W ash and dry hands. 1. To minimise the risk of cross infection. 2. Leave the patient comfortable and the area clean and tidy. 2. To ensure patients comfort. 3. Clean equipment according to NHS Grampian Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilisation Policy. 3. To minimise the risk of cross infection. 4. Return all opened Sterile Services Department (SSD) items for reprocessing, protecting sharp instruments. 4. For cleaning and reprocessing. 5. Dispose of clinical waste as per NHS Grampian Waste Disposal Policy. 5. To comply with the Environmental Protection Act and Duty Of Care Legislation. 6. Document the procedure in the appropriate records. 6. Accurate records of the patients care journey are available. 6 Passing a Fine Bore Naso-Gastric (N/G) Tube Definition The passage of a tube into the stomach via the naso-pharynx. Indications 1. To facilitate a naso-gastric feeding regime. 2. To administer medications Relative Contra-indications 1. Oesophageal / Pharyngeal Stricture 2. Oesophageal Varices 3. Paralytic Ileus 4. Non functioning G.I. Tract Note: 1. PVC tube used for up to 10 days 2. Polyurethane tube used for up to 28 days. Requirements 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Naso-gastric tube - adult 6 FG - 9 FG Syringe 50ml (catheter tip or luer slip to fit end of tube) Disposable cup 3/4 full with tap water – to lubricate n/g tube Cotton buds/tissues Universal pH indicator paper/strips Disposable gloves - non-sterile Adhesive tape Denture bowl - where required Disposable paper sheet Glass of iced water if not contraindicated Note - The unconscious or dense hemiplegic patient should be placed flat in bed with one pillow under the head. Positioning the patient’s chin towards the knees will ease the passage of the tube. Procedure Rationale 1. Follow Pre Procedure General Directions. 1. See Pre Procedure General Directions. 7 2. Request/assist the patient to sit in a semi-upright position in the bed or chair. Support the patient’s head with a pillow. 2. To allow for easier passage of the tube. This position enables easy swallowing and ensures that the epiglottis is not obstructing the oesophagus. 3. Clean patient’s nostrils, if required. 4. Request patient to/or remove their dentures (if appropriate) and place in denture bowl. 5. Wash and dry hands 5. To minimise the risk of cross infection. 6. Protect patient’s clothing with a disposable paper sheet. 7. Put on gloves 7. To protect nurse’s hands. 8. Holding the n/g tube estimate the distance from the patient’s ear lobe to the bridge of the nose and then to the lower end of the xiphisternum, without making contact with the skin or patient’s clothing. 8. To provide an indication of the length of tube required to reach the patient’s stomach. 9. Follow manufacturer’s instructions regarding visual checks and recommendations re the guide wire. 9. To ensure safe effective use of the equipment. 10. Dip the tube in water. 10. To activate the external lubricant thus reducing friction between the mucous membrane and the tube. 11. Gently insert the tube through the nostril 11. To facilitate passage of the tube by and slowly advance it along the nasal following the natural anatomy of the passage. If an obstruction is felt, nose. withdraw slightly then advance the tube again at a slightly different angle. Gentle rotation of the tube can be helpful. 12. (a) As the tube is passed through the nasopharynx request the patient to bend the head forward. (b) Request the patient to swallow as the tube is advanced. Sips of iced water may be offered to facilitate this unless contra-indicated. 8 12. (a) To facilitate closure of the epiglottis enabling the tube to pass into the oesophagus. 13. Continue to advance the tube until the length required has been passed. If an obstruction is felt do not force, withdraw the tube slightly and attempt to reinsert or withdraw completely and repass. 14. Confirm tube is in the stomach by withdrawing gastric content and checking on pH indicator paper/strips. See separate procedure. 15. (a) Fill a syringe with 10ml of tap water and slowly flush the tube. (b) Gently remove the guide wire from the tube and discard. 15. (a)To facilitate the easy removal of the guide wire from the tube. 16. Secure the tube to the cheek/nostril using adhesive tape. 16. To maintain the tube in position. 17. Clean dentures if removed. Either replace or leave in bowl with clean water. 18. Follow Post Procedure General Directions. 18. See Post Procedure General Directions. 19. Document Note Advice and support may be obtained from the Nutrition Nurse Specialist Ext. 52946 Bleep 2589 9 Confirmation of Position of a Fine Bore Naso-Gastric (N/G) Tube The position of a fine bore n/g tube should always be checked:1. After initial placement. 2. Before commencing feed. 3. Prior to administration of medicines if feed not in progress 4. After vomiting, excessive coughing, prolonged hiccoughing or oropharyngeal suction. 5. After a procedure involving movement of the patient eg physiotherapy It is recognised that obtaining aspirate from fine bore tubes can be difficult however Methany (1993) reported a 93% success rate using the correct syringe size, insufflating before aspirating, changing position and patience. Auscultation must not be used as a means of checking tube position see appendix 1. The method of confirming position should always be documented with the pH obtained where appropriate. Requirements 1. 2. 3. 4. Clean tray Syringe Universal pH indicator paper/strips Disposable gloves – non-sterile Procedure Rationale 1. Follow Pre Procedure General Directions. 1. See Pre Procedure General Directions. 2. Wash hands and put on gloves. 2. To minimise the risk of cross infection. 3. Attach new clean syringe to n/g tube and withdraw plunger to obtain gastric content. Detach syringe from n/g tube. If no aspirate obtained insufflate 5 – 10ml air through the tube and then gently withdraw plunger. See flow chart 4. Put small amount of aspirate onto pH indicator paper/strip. 10 5. Compare indicator paper to colour code. 6. Check pH acceptable to commence use of tube. See flow chart. 7. If unable to confirm position by aspirate then a x-ray will be necessary. 11 Confirmation of Position Flow Chart Attach 50ml syringe to n/g tube and gently withdraw plunger to obtain gastric aspirate. Aspirate obtained No Yes Insufflate 5–10ml air into the n/g tube then gently withdraw plunger. Aspirate obtained reads pH 1-4 Commence feeding. or Change the patient’s position preferably onto their left side and attempt to aspirate. or pH >4 consider recent food or drink ingestion which may alter gastric acidity. Recheck aspirate in 30-60 minutes. Insert the n/g tube a further 3-5cm and attempt to aspirate. or or Aspirate obtained reads pH >4-6 tip may be misplaced; therefore withdraw 3-5cm, re-aspirate and if pH reads 1-4 commence feeding. Leave the patient and attempt to aspirate 30 mins later. Ensure documented not to use tube in interim. or or Aspirate obtained reads pH4-5. Check patient’s medicine kardex. Some medications elevate the gastric pH. If these medications have been given then check with medical staff before commencing feeding Consider chest x ray to ascertain position It is important to consider the associated risks to the patient and seek further advice when the pH is not within the normal gastric range. A chest x-ray may be appropriate. If aspirate is not obtained, then a chest x-ray is required, but it is important to consider the patient and their requirements as a x-ray should rarely be necessary outwith daytime hours. 12 Administration Of A Naso-Gastric (N/G) Feed - Bolus Feed A fine bore tube should be used as a large bore tube is primarily for aspiration or gastric lavage. Definition Enteral feeding via naso-gastric route. Indications 1. Patients whose oral intake is inadequate to meet their nutritional requirements, e.g. following surgery or the presence of swallowing difficulties. 2. Patients who require additional amounts of energy and protein. Contra-indications 1. Paralytic ileus. 2. Non functioning G.I. Tract Requirements 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Tube Feed Prescription Sheet Prescribed feed Syringe – 50ml catheter tip or luer slip to fit end oft tube Disposable gloves - non-sterile Universal pH indicator paper/strips Glass of drinking water – for flushing tube Bolus Adaptor – if required Clean measuring jug - from kitchen - if required Spigot / deadender - if required Disposable paper sheet Fluid Balance Chart Procedure Rationale 1. Follow Pre Procedure General Directions. 1. See Pre Procedure General Directions. 2. Protect patient's clothing with a disposable paper sheet. 13 3. Wash hands and put on gloves. 3. To minimise the risk of cross infection. 4. Check tube is in correct position see separate procedure. 5. Attach bolus adaptor to feed container of prescribed feed Or Open feed container of prescribed feed and pour prescribed amount of feed into measuring jug. 6. (a)Remove plunger from syringe. (b)Connect the 50ml syringe to the n/g tube. 8. Fill syringe with prescribed feed and allow to flow by gravity. 9. Refill syringe until prescribed amount has been given. Always refill the syringe before it empties. 9. To reduce the amount of air entering the stomach. 10. On completion tube should be flushed with at least 20mls of tap water. 10. To maintain a patent n/g tube. 11. (a)Reinsert tube bung. (b) Insert new spigot/deadender. 12. Record the time, volume of feed and water on patient's Fluid Balance Chart. 12. To maintain an accurate fluid and nutritional intake record. 13. (a) If used wash the jug thoroughly in hot soapy water. Rinse, dry and store inverted on a clean surface. (b) Dispose of used syringe. 13. To minimise the risk of bacterial contamination. 14. Follow Post Procedure General Directions. 14. See Post Procedure General Directions. 14 Other Points Check the patient for the following at least 2 hourly and report if present immediately to senior nursing staff. altered respiratory pattern or distress change of skin colour Check for feed intolerance by: asking the patient or Observe for general discomfort, vomiting or altered bowel habit. If there is any movement of the tube i.e. tape loose or tube position altered accidentally. Recheck tube position as per procedure. Once in every 24 hours adhesive tape on the cheek/nostril MUST be checked If tube secured to nostril change tape daily If tube secured to cheek change tape as required. Advice and support may be obtained from the Nutrition Nurse Specialist. Dietitian will assist with the management of tube feeding regime. Patient may require assistance with mouth and nasal care. To prevent nasal erosion it is recommended that the tube is passed into alternate nostrils when being replaced. When the patient is to be discharged from hospital on naso-gastric feeding, an education program for patient/relative should be instigated as soon as possible before discharge. 15 Administration Of A Continuous Naso-Gastric (N/G) Feed - Via Enteral Feeding Pump A fine bore tube should be used as a large bore tube is primarily for aspiration or gastric lavage. Definition Continuous enteral feeding via the n/g route using an enteral feeding pump Indications 1. Patients whose oral intake is inadequate to meet their nutritional requirements, e.g. following surgery or the presence of swallowing difficulties. 2. Patients who require additional amounts of energy and protein. Contra-Indications 1. Paralytic ileus. 2. Non functioning G.I. Tract Requirements 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Tube Feed Prescription Sheet Prescribed feed Feed container with intregal administration set - if required or Administration set appropriate to feed container Syringe 50ml – catheter tip or luer slip to fit end of tube Disposable gloves - non-sterile Universal pH indicator paper/strips Glass of drinking water for flushing tube Infusion stand Enteral feeding pump Disposable paper sheet Fluid Balance Chart Bottle opener - if required Note - Prior to commencing feeding Feeds are either bought from manufacturers or locally prepared. Manufacturers' feeds are prepared under aseptic conditions and can remain in use for 24 hours, but if decanted into a feed container they may only hang for 12 hours. 16 Locally made feeds are prepared under clean conditions. These feeds need to be decanted into a feed container for administration. The hang time should not exceed 4 hours therefore staff should estimate the volume of feed necessary to comply with this. All locally prepared and partially used feeds must be stored in the refrigerator and discarded if not used within 24 hours. Procedure Rationale 1. Follow Pre Procedure General Directions. 1. See Pre Procedure General Directions. 2. Protect patient’s clothing with a disposable paper sheet. 3. Wash hands and put on gloves. 3. To minimise the risk of cross infection. 4. Check tube in correct position –see separate procedure. 5. Ensure roller clamp on administration set is closed. 6. (a) Attach administration set to feed container or (b) Fill feed container with prescribed amount of feed and connect administration set if necessary. 7. Suspend feed on infusion stand. Place drip chamber into enteral feeding pump. 8. Release the roller clamp and run the feed through the tubing. Close roller clamp. 8. To expel air from the system. 9. Thread the tubing round the pump mechanism. 10. Attach administration set to end of tube. Open roller clamp. 11. Switch on pump and set the enteral feeding pump to the prescribed rate. 12. Follow Post Procedure General Directions. 12. See Post Procedure General Directions. 17 13. Check the flow rate hourly. 13. To ensure that the prescribed rate is being maintained. 14. Tube should be flushed with tap water whenever feeding is interrupted. The amount will depend on whether the patient is an adult, child or on a fluid restriction. 14. To maintain a patent n/g tube. 15. Record the time, volume of feed and water on patient’s fluid Balance Chart. 15. To maintain an accurate fluid and nutritional intake record. Other Points Check the patient for the following at least 2 hourly and report, if present, immediately to senior nursing staff - altered respiratory pattern or distress change of skin colour Check for feed tolerance by: asking the patient or observe for general discomfort, vomiting or altered bowel habit. If there is any movement of the tube, i.e. tape loose or tube position altered accidentally stop feed and recheck tube position as per procedure. Reservoir and/or administration set must be changed every 24 hours. Once in every 24 hours adhesive tape on the cheek/nostril MUST be checked – If tube secured to nostril change tape daily If tube secured to cheek change tape as required Advice and support may be obtained for the Nutrition Nurse Specialist. Dietitian will assist with the management of tube feeding regime. Patient may require assistance with mouth and nasal care. To prevent nasal erosion it is recommended that the tube is passed into alternate nostrils. Clean equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions. When not in use the pump should be connected to the electricity supply. When the patient is to be discharged from hospital on naso-gastric feeding, an education program for patient/relative should be instigated as soon as possible before discharge. 18 Removal of A Naso-Gastric Tube Requirements 1. Clean Tray 2. Tissues 3. Disposable gloves – non-sterile 4. Disposable paper sheet 5. Polythene bag Procedure Rationale 1. Follow Pre Procedure General Directions. 1. See Post Procedure General Directions. 2. Wash hands and put on gloves. 2. To minimise the risk of cross infection. 3. Protect patient’s clothing with a disposable paper sheet. 4. Remove tape securing tube. 5. Pinch tube and gently withdraw tube into polythene bag. 5. To prevent spillage on removal through oesophagus. 6. Give patient tissue to clean nasal area/blow nose. 7. Document removal in nursing notes. 8. Follow Post Procedure General Directions. 8. See Post Procedure General Directions. 19 Continuing care To ensure fine bore tube remains in position safely and causes no distress to patient. Nursing Procedure Nasal Hygiene Oral Hygiene Rationale To allow nostrils to remain unblocked. Method Gently clean area. Encourage patient to blow nose if necessary. To prevent pressure sore. Change position of tube exit site ensuring tape not pulling tube too tightly. Patient often mouth breaths with n/g tube insitu, mouth can quickly become dry. Regular oral hygiene with mouth washes. If patient on nil by mouth then saliva may not be produced as normal. Encourage patient to brush teeth and gums regularly. Facial Cleansing Area around tube often neglected for fear of disturbing tube. Excess oils can be secreted making it difficult to secure tape. Daily removal of tape and normal face washing, avoiding moisturiser where tape to be applied. Shaving as normal for men. Changing tape Tape can lose its adherence qualities. Skin condition below tape should be checked. Carefully remove all old tape before applying new. Flushing for maintenance To ensure that tube remains patent. Tube should be flushed before and after use. 20 Complications If complications occur with the tube then they should be dealt with promptly and appropriately. Complication Possible reason Failure to pass n/g tube. Poor patient compliance. Tips to avoid recurrence Good patient relations and informed choices given to encourage compliance. Treatment Allow patient time to recover and discuss with them the benefits of n/g nutrition. Ask a colleague to help. Poor technique. Ask a colleague for support or the Nutrition Nurse Specialist. Oesophageal stricture. Malposition. Failure of tube to advance over larynx and down oesophagus. Remove tube and change position of patient. Ask a colleague for support. Ask Nutrition Nurse Specialist. X ray guidance. Nasal pressure sores. Tube too tight against nostril. No tape on nostril. Change tape position daily. May require tube change to other nostril. Intolerance. Confusional state. Poor procedure explanation or short term memory loss. Good explanation and regular re-enforcement of benefits. Re passing of tube and multidisciplinary discussions as may require gastrostomy or be inappropriate for continuing nutritional support. 21 References Bastow, MD. (1986) Complications of enteral nutrition. Gut,27,S1,51-55. print only Bockus S. (1991) Trouble shooting your tube feedings. American Journal of Nursing May 49(5):24-28 print only Colagiovanni L. (1999) Taking the tube. Nursing Times, Vol95,No21, Supplement. print only McAtear CA. (1999) Current perspectives on enteral nutrition in adults. A BAPEN working party report. ISBN; 1 899 467 300. print only Methany N et al (1993) Effectiveness of pH measurements for predicting feeding tube placement: an update. Nursing Research, 42:6, 324-331. print only Naysmith MR. Nicholson J. (1998) Nasogastric drug administration. Professional Nurse, 13(7). 424-427. print only Taylor SJ. (1988) A guide to N/G feeding equipment. Professional Nurse, 4,2 pp91-94. print only 22 Appendix 1 Fatal Accident Inquiry ‘An inquiry in Arbroath considered the death of an elderly patient from the erroneous insertion of a nasogastric feeding tube into the patient’s lung, There was discussion as to acceptable methods for checking the positioning of nasogastric tubes. The test, which was used in this case, was the ‘air test’- listening for air sounds using a stethoscope once the tube has been fed. Evidence was heard from nursing experts. There was a divergence of opinion about the most reliable method of testing but there was concurrence about the unreliability of the ‘air test’ (1). Auscultation of air into stomach Determining position of nasogastric (NG) feeding tubes by auscultation of air into the stomach is an unreliable method of checking NG tube position. Studies have confirmed that experienced health professionals are not able to reliably predict correct tube placement. Vigorous peristalsis can be mistaken for air entering the stomach and there has been documented evidence of air being heard as it is injected into the lungs (2). Therefore the most reliable method of checking the position of the NG feeding tube is with the use of radiography, this may be indicated in high risk patients with altered consciousness, or those receiving ventilatory support. However, routine checking by radiography is often avoided because of the following factors: The risk to the patient of frequent exposure to X-Rays The potential delay in administration of nutritional support Cost and resource implications The use of radiology can only confirm the position of the tube when the X-ray is taken (3,4) Therefore the most reliable bedside method available to confirm NG feeding tube placement is aspiration of gastric acid and the use of pH paper or litmus paper (3,4). LUHT ADVOCATE THAT THE USE OF THE AUSCULATORY METHOD OF TESTING NG FEEDING TUBE PLACEMENT SHOULD NOT BE USED. References: 1 Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death of Mrs Michie, Arbroath Sheriff Court 2 Metheny N et al (1990) Effectiveness of the ausculatory method in predicting feeding tube location Nursing Research 39 (5) 262-267 3 Tait J (2001) Going nasogastric – current thinking in nasogastric tube techniques Complete Nutrition 1 (2) 27-29 4 20.8.02 Colagiovanni L (1999) Taking the tube Nursing Times Supplement 95 (21) 63-66 Director of Nursing 23 Appendix 2 24 25