Definition
Performing gastric suctioning also known as nasogastric decompression is a critical nursing procedure used to remove stomach contents via a nasogastric (NG) or orogastric tube. It’s commonly indicated for abdominal distention, bowel obstruction, post-operative care, or GI bleeding.
Purposes
- To relieve abdominal distention.
- To maintain gastric decompression after surgery.
- To remove blood and secretions from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
- To remove contents of the stomach.
- To prepare the patient for general anesthesia and gastric surgery.
- To aid in healing of the wound in case of surgery of the stomach and intestines.
Articles
- Gastrointestinal tube (Ryle’s tube) in place.
- Kidney tray for drainage from the stomach.
- 20 cc syringe.
- Gauze pieces.
- Clean gloves.
- Towel/non-absorbent pad.
- Pint measure.
- Basin with water.
Procedure
| Nursing Actions | Rationale | |
| 1. | Before procedure Explain the procedure to patient. | Helps in obtaining cooperation of patient. |
| 2. | Position patient in semi-Fowler’s position. | Prevents reflux of gastric contents and risk of aspiration. |
| 3. | Lower side rails on your side, spread non-absorbent pad near head end. | Provides easy access. Prevents soiling of bed linen. |
| 4. | After procedure Wash hands and don gloves. | Prevents transmission of microorganisms. |
| 5. | Remove cap from distal end of Ryle’s tube and attach 20 cc syringe to the end by holding it with a gauze piece. | |
| 6. | Aspirate the stomach contents gently. | Facilitates removal of stomach contents using low suction. |
| 7. | As the syringe is filled with contents pinch the Ryle’s tube, disconnect the syringe from tube and empty contents into kidney tray. | Pinching the Ryles tube prevents air entering into stomach. |
| 8. | Continue aspirating till all stomach contents are aspirated. | |
| 9. | Disconnect syringe and clamp the Ryles tube. Rinse the syringe in a basin of water. | |
| 10. | Measure the number of contents aspirated using a pint measure. | Amount of aspirate has to be included in 24-hour output. |
| 11. | Discard the aspirated contents and wash the pint measure. Discard the non-absorbent pad. | |
| 12. | After procedure Remove gloves and wash hands | Prevents transmission of microorganisms. |
| 13. | Assist patient for a mouth wash. | Provides a sense of well-being for patient. |
| 14. | Document the color, odor and quantity of contents aspirated. If necessary send sample to laboratory. | Helps in communicating patient information with other health team members. |
| 15. | Include the number of contents aspirated in intake/output chart. |
Special Considerations
- Only low-pressure suction (using 20 mL syringe) is used to aspirate stomach contents because an excessive negative pressure might cause the mucosa to be sucked in and can cause resultant damage to the stomach mucosa.
- Adequate fluids should be administered by means of intravenous fluids for patient on gastric suction. This helps to prevent dehydration and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
- Nasogastric tube should be irrigated frequently using normal saline to maintain its patency.
- If continuous drainage of stomach contents is advised by surgeon after GI surgeries, the Ryle’s tube should be connected to an extension tube and the distal end of tube should be placed in a receptacle which is kept at a level lower than the stomach. This achieves drainage of stomach contents by gravity.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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