What is an Orogastric (OG) Tube?
An
orogastric (OG) tube is a medical device inserted through the mouth into the stomach. It is used for various purposes such as feeding, medication administration, and gastric decompression. The tube is typically made of flexible silicone or polyurethane to minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of injury during insertion.
Indications for Use
The primary reasons for using an OG tube include: Enteral feeding for patients who cannot eat by mouth due to conditions like stroke, surgery, or severe illness.
Administration of medications when oral intake is not possible.
Decompression of the stomach in cases of bowel obstruction or ileus to relieve distension and prevent vomiting.
Removal of gastric contents in cases of overdose or poisoning.
Insertion Procedure
Preparation
Before inserting an OG tube, the nurse must perform a thorough assessment and gather necessary supplies, including: OG tube of appropriate size
Lubricant
Syringe
pH strips (for verifying placement)
Stethoscope
Steps for Insertion
1.
Explain the procedure to the patient to obtain consent and cooperation.
2. Position the patient in a semi-upright position to facilitate easier insertion.
3. Measure the distance from the patient's mouth to the earlobe and then to the xiphoid process to determine the length of the tube to be inserted.
4. Lubricate the distal end of the OG tube.
5. Gently insert the tube through the mouth, guiding it towards the back of the throat and then down into the esophagus and stomach.
6. Confirm the placement by aspirating stomach contents and checking the pH, which should be acidic (pH
