REMOVING A NASOGASTRIC TUBE

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1. Check physician’s order for removal of nasogastric tube.
2. Explain procedure to patient and assist to semi-Fowler’s position.
3. Gather equipment.
4. Perform hand hygiene. Don clean disposable gloves.
5. Place towel or disposable pad across patient’s chest. Give tissues to patient.
6. Discontinue suction and separate tube from suction. Unpin tube from patient’s gown and carefully remove adhesive tape from patient’s nose.
7. Attach syringe and flush with 10 mL normal saline solution or clean with 30 to 50 cc of air. (optional).
8. Instruct patient to take a deep breath and hold it.
9. Clamp tube with fingers by doubling tube on itself. Quickly and carefully remove tube while patient holds breath.
10. Place tube in disposable plastic bag. Remove gloves and place in bag.
11. Offer mouth care to patient and facial tissues to blow nose.
12. Measure nasogastric drainage. Remove all equipment and dispose according to agency policy. Perform hand hygiene.
13. Record removal of tube, patient’s response, and measure of drainage. Continue to monitor patient for 2 to 4 hours after tube removal for gastric distention, nausea, or vomiting.

Other Nursing Articles you may want to look at:

• IRRIGATING A NASOGASTRIC TUBE CONNECTED TO SUCTION Check physician’s order for irrigation. Explain procedure to patient. Gather necessary equipment. Check expiration dates on irrigating saline solution and irrigation set. Perform hand hygiene. Assist patient to semi-Fowler’s position, unless contraindicated. Check
• INSERTING A NASOGASTRIC TUBE Check physician’s order for insertion of nasogastric tube. Explain procedure to patient. Gather equipment. If nasogastric tube is rubber, place it in a basin with ice for 5 to 10 minutes or place
• PROVIDING TRACHEOSTOMY CARE Explain procedure to patient. If tracheostomy tube has been suctioned, remove soiled dressing from around tube and discard with gloves on removal. Perform hand hygiene and open necessary supplies.  Cleaning A Nondisposable Inner Cannula Prepare
• SUCTIONING NASOPHARYNGEAL AND OROPHARYNGEAL AREAS Determine need for suctioning. Administer pain medication before suctioning to postoperative patient. Explain procedure to patient. Assemble equipment. Perform hand hygiene. Adjust bed to comfortable working position. Lower side
• SUCTIONING THE TRACHEOSTOMY   Explain the procedure to the patient and reassure him or her that you will interrupt the procedure if the patient indicates respiratory difficulty. Administer pain medication to postoperative patient before suctioning. Gather equipment and provide