How to Replace the Nasal Feeding Tube?

1. The position when operating a nasal feeding tube

In clinical nursing operations, the positions of the conventional lower nasal feeding tube include semi-sitting position, sitting position (suitable for awake patients), supine position or supine position with head tilted to one side (suitable for comatose patients). These two methods are very useful under normal circumstances, but in clinical practice sometimes the nasogastric feeding tube cannot be inserted into the stomach with these two methods.

The traditional method of nasal feeding tube replacement is one-handed head rest. Although it is scientific, it often fails in practical applications. The reasons are: ①The physiological curvature of the pharynx; ②The esophagus is in a closed state under normal circumstances. This method can only rely on raising the head to bring the mandible closer to the sternum to increase the arc of the laryngeal passage and achieve the purpose of entering the esophagus, but it is difficult to succeed for patients without swallowing reflex.

2. Insert the nasal feeding tube in the lateral position

Inserting a nasal feeding tube in the lateral position is particularly suitable for patients with heart failure and cerebrovascular disease.

The method of inserting the nasal feeding tube in the lateral position: the patient is lying on the left side with the shoulder perpendicular to the bed, and the nasal feeding is performed after oxygen inhalation. When inserted 15cm, rotate slightly inward and continue to insert the esophagus forward. This method does not depend on the patient's swallowing action, but is inserted actively by the operator, and the effect is good.

Nasal feeding tube replacement time: Generally, the gastric tube is replaced once every 3 to 4 weeks. Patients in a coma should take care of the oral cavity and nasal cavity carefully during the retention of the gastric tube, 3 times a day. The gastric tube replacement time of comatose patients is shorter than that of awake patients. Generally, it is replaced once every 5-6 days and inserted through another nostril. Check the patient's nasal cavity and oral cavity for mucosal damage and infection every day, and replace the contaminated tape in time.