University:
Liberty University
Course:
BIOM 500 | Introduction to Biomedical Sciences
Academic year:

2024
Views:

446

Pages:

5
Author:

Sheha A.

**Gastric Gavages** Gastric lavage is a medical procedure where the stomach is irrigated with a large volume of water. This process is often used to remove toxic substances or large quantities of ingested substances. **Purpose:** * To provide immediate detoxification of poison * To remove a large amount of ingested food * To remove swallowed foreign bodies **Indication:** * In post-operative patient: * To prevent nausea and vomiting * To remove gastric secretions that can cause electrolyte imbalance * In comatose patients: * To remove food that is aspirated into the lungs * To remove gastric secretions to prevent pneumonia * In overdose patients: * To remove toxic substances * In patients with swallowed foreign bodies: * To remove foreign objects. Gastric Lavage * Give mouth wash frequently to avoid complication of a degraded mouth * Maintain access (IV line and catheter) * Monitor the vital parameters * Monitor the airway to avoid blockage in the tubes * Give intravenous fluids as per the doctor's advice * Observe for signs of shock, bleeding, seizures, and electrolyte imbalance **Nursing Care:** * Patient should be given at intervals of 2 or 3 hours. * Position the patient in a comfortable position * Observe for complications * Monitor vital parameters, respiratory, cardiovascular, electrolyte, and fluid balance * Monitor for signs of shock, bleeding, seizures, and electrolyte imbalance Advantages of NGT Feeding * An accurate amount of all types of solutions including fluids, foods, and medication can be supplied * Less, smooth flow of fluids can be provided, safety measures and avoidance of essential feeding problems * Tube feeding may be continued for weeks without any stress to the patient * The stomach may not be aspirated * The stomach is always open, stomach can be washed * Less bloating of the stomach can occur