PROCEDURE : GASTRIC LAVAGE

PURPOSE :

Remove unabsorbed poison after ingestion.

Diagnosis and stop gastric haemorrhage.
Clean stomach before diagnostic procedures.
Remove liquid or small particles of material from stomach.

REQUIREMENT

1) Nasogastric insertion equipments.

2) Lavage fluid – Nacl or other prescribed solution.
3) Syringe 20ml for aspiration and 50ml for lavage.
4) Specimen container with lab request form.
5) Kidney dish as receiver.
6) Measuring jug.
7) Protective sheet.
8) Clinical waste.
9) Domestic waste.

STEPS

1.Verify Dr’s order.

2.Assest patient level of conciousness.
3.Greet patient and explain procedure.
4.Provide privacy.
5.Remove dental appliances and inspect oral cavity for loose teeth.
6.Position patient in Semi-Fowler’s.
7.Insert NG tube as per procedure handout.
8.Check placement of tube in stomach ( 3 times check).
9.Aspirate stomach contents before instilling water or antidote.
Keep specimen in container for analysis.
10.Remove 20ml syringe and attach with 50ml syringe to pour
lavage solution into NG tube or attach with 50ml syringe barrel.
11.Pour or inject slowly 20ml solution and wait for 1 minute.
 12.Aspirate (if use syringe) or siphon (if use barrel) gastric contents
and discard it in kidney dish.
13.Save samples of first two washings.
14.Record input and output throughout procedures.
15.Repeat step 10-14 until returns are clear. Usually requires a total
volume of 2 liters.
16.Remove NG tube as per procedure handout.
17.Make patient comfortable.
18.Label specimens and despatch to lab immediately.
19.Clean and clear equipments.
20.Record and report findings.

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Ensure procedure is carried out on correct client at correct site.

2. Assess patient’s level of conciousness.
3. Ensure patient’s comfort is maintained throughout procedure.
– Fowler’s position.
1. Perform procedure in a correct manner. Use appropriate solution.
2. Monitor vital sign for pre, intra and post procedure.
3. Monitor input and output.
4. Send labeled specimens in appropriate container wit lab request
form.
5. Record and report findings.