EQUIPMENT
60 cc catheter tip syringe 
Warmed NS for irrigation (body temperature)
Emesis basin
Towels
Gloves, nonsterile

PROCEDURE

1. Check for physician’s order to obtain type and amount

of irrigation solution and length of time of irrigation.

2. Gather equipment. Promotes organization and effi-

ciency.

3. Wash hands. Reduces transmission of microorganisms.
4. Prepare child and family for procedure. Enhances coop-

eration and participation and reduces anxiety and fear.

5. Position child in high Fowlers position or on left side

with head elevated 15°.

6. Put on nonsterile gloves. Protects nurse from contact

with gastrointestinal fluids.

7. Insert nasogastric tube and check placement per proce-

dure as described under Insertion of a Nasogastric
Tube.

8. Attach syringe to NG tube and pull back on the plunger

to aspirate stomach contents. Aspirate contents until
there is no more continual return. Empties stomach
before beginning lavage.

9. Fill the syringe with the prescribed solution and slowly

inject it into the stomach. The volume of each infusion
should be about 20 cc. Minimizes child’s discomfort and
reduces risk of vomiting.

10. Pull back on plunger of syringe to aspirate lavage solu-

tion via the nasogastric tube. Discard in emesis basin.

11. Monitor amount of solution infused and amount

removed. Verifies good return of lavage solution and
permits monitoring of intake and output.

12. Repeat process until results are clear or the prescribed

amount of fluid has been delivered.

13. During the procedure monitor the child for airway

patency, cramping, nausea and vomiting, comfort level,
and obstructions in the tube. Promotes the safety of the
child.

14. Remove nasogastric tube, attach to suction, or clamp as

ordered.

15. Dispose of equipment and returned irrigation solution

in appropriate containers. Follows prescribed precau-
tions.

16. Remove gloves. Wash hands. Reduces transmission of

microorganisms.

DOCUMENTATION

1. Time, type, and amount of solution used.
2. Character and amount of returned fluid.
3. Child’s response to the procedure and how tolerated.

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Copyright © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.

SKILL 23

SKILL 23

Nasogastric Tube Lavage