A patient's NG tube has become clogged after the nurse instilled a medication that was insufficiently crushed. The nurse has attempted to aspirate with a large-bore syringe, with no success. What should the nurse do next?
A) Withdraw the NG tube 3 to 5 cm and reattempt aspiration.
B) Attach a syringe filled with warm water and attempt an in-and-out motion of instilling and aspirating.
C) Withdraw the NG tube slightly and attempt to dislodge by flicking the tube with the fingers.
D) Remove the NG tube promptly and obtain an order for reinsertion from the primary care provider.
Ans: B
Feedback:
When a tube is first noted to be clogged, a 30- to 60-mL syringe should be attached to the end of the tube and any contents aspirated and discarded. Then the syringe should be filled with warm water, attached to the tube again, and a back-and-forth motion initiated to help loosen the clog. Removal is not warranted at this early stage and a flicking motion is not recommended. The tube should not be withdrawn, even a few centimeters.
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