Source: Madeline Lassche, MSNEd, RN and Katie Baraki, MSN, RN, College of Nursing, University of Utah, UT
An enteric tube is a tube that is inserted and passed into the stomach or intestines. Enteric tubes serve multiple purposes, including stomach decompression (through the removal of air, gastric contents, and secretions), enteric feeding, and/or the administration of medications or oral contrast. Enteric tubes are indicated for patients with impaired swallowing and for patients with neurological or other conditions associated with an increased risk of aspiration, or when the patient is unable to maintain adequate oral intake of fluid or calories. There are multiple types of enteric tubes, with their generic names assigned according to the insertion site and the gastrointestinal termination point. For instance, one of the common tube types is the nasogastric tube, which is inserted through a nostril and passed along the upper gastrointestinal tract into the stomach.
When administering medications through an enteric tube, it is important to ensure that the tube terminates in the intended gastrointestinal location. When enteric tubes are initially placed, the position of the tube is verified by X-ray. However, due to gastric peristalsis, enteric tubes may migrate out of their intended termination location. Thus, it is important to confirm the appropriate tube location before administering the medications. Medications administered through an enteric tube are typically oral preparations that must either be crushed into powder by the nurse or prepared in suspension or liquid form by the pharmacy. Prior to crushing any oral medications, it is important to confirm that it is appropriate and safe to do so. For example, administering crushed extended-release medications can lead to toxic medication levels, and crushing medications with cytotoxic or carcinogenic properties can harm the healthcare worker. It is also important to consider the tube lumen size when administering medications, because smaller-bore tubes are more likely to become clogged if the medications are not prepared properly or are not flushed with an appropriate amount of fluid.
This video presents the process of assessing enteric tube placement and administering medications through an enteric tube.
Preparation
1. Enteral tube medication administration considerations (review in the room, with the patient).
2. Go to the medication preparation area (this area may be in a secured room or in a secured portion of the nurses' station) and complete the first safety check using the five "rights" of medication administration. Refer to the "Safety Checks and Five Rights of Medication Administration for Acquiring Medications from a Medication Dispensing Device" video.
3. In the medication preparation area, prepare the enteric tube medication as indicated in the MAR, pharmacy instructions, and nurse drug guide and according to best practices and institutional policies/procedures. Be mindful of preparing the medications in a manner that will allow you to correctly identify the medication.
4. In the medication preparation, area complete the second safety check using the five "rights" of medication administration. Refer to the "Safety Checks for Acquiring Medications from a Medication Dispensing Device" video.
5. Gather the necessary supplies, including two 60-mL catheter-tip syringes, a graduated cylinder, a bottle of sterile water or normal saline, plastic medication cups, 2 washcloths or small towels, a pH indicator strip bottle/package, a roll of silk or cloth tape, and an indelible marker. Take the supplies into the patient's room.
Administration
6. Upon first entering the patient's room, set the medications and supplies down on the counter and wash hands, as described in step 1.1.
7. Perform the third and final medication safety check, adhering to the five "rights" of medication administration. Refer to the "Preparing and Administering Oral and Liquid Medications" video.
8. Prepare the medications and remaining supplies.
9. Administer the enteric tube medications.
10. Document the enteric tube medication administration in the patient's electronic health record.
11. Leave the patient room. Upon exiting the room, wash hands as describe in step 1.1.
Enteric tube medication administration is indicated for patients with impaired swallowing, neurological, or other conditions associated with increased risk of aspiration, or when the patient is unable to maintain an adequate oral intake of fluid or calories.
Medications administered through an enteric tube are typically oral preparations that must either be crushed into powder by the nurse or prepared into suspension or liquid form by the pharmacy. Like for any medication administration procedure, a nurse must follow and complete the five “rights” at the three safety checkpoints. Additionally, before administration, the nurse must also confirm that the tube still terminates in the intended gastrointestinal location.
This video presents the process of both assessing enteric tube placement and administering medications through the tube.
Upon entering the patient’s room, perform proper hand hygiene.
Next, walk to the bedside computer and log into the electronic health record, or EHR. Review the patient’s medical history and any recorded allergies to confirm potential adverse reactions. In the EHR, review the electronic Medication Administration Record, or MAR. On the MAR, find the meds to be administered at that time. Ask the patient if they have a preference or concerns prior to acquiring and preparing the medication. Some patients are sensitive to large volumes of fluid administered through the enteral tube or request fluids and medications to be administered slowly to avoid nausea. After confirming with the patient, exit out of the EHR, leave the room, and perform hand hygiene.
Next, in the medication preparation area, acquire the enteric tube medications from the medication dispensing device and complete the first safety check using the 5 “rights” of medication administration. Now, prepare the enteric tube medication as indicated in the patient’s MAR, pharmacy instructions, nurse drug guide, patient preference, and according to best practices and institutional policies and procedures. For tablets, open the tablet packaging and use a pill mortar and pestle or a pill crusher to crush the tablet into a powder. Ensure that you create fine powder to decrease the likelihood of clogging the enteric tube. Empty the contents of the mortar or pill crusher into a medication cup. If two or more drugs have to be administered, they should never be crushed and mixed together.
Write the medication name and dosage on a tape or a pre-printed medication label. Some institutions may require additional information according to their medication labeling policy. Dispose of all medication packaging in the proper disposal receptacle. Now, complete the second safety check using the 5 “rights” of medication administration.
Finally, gather the needed supplies: two 60-mL catheter-tip syringes, a graduated cylinder, a bottle of sterile water or normal saline, plastic medication cups, 2 washcloths or small towels, a pH indicator strip bottle or package, a roll of silk or cloth tape, and an indelible marker. Take the supplies into the patient’s room.
Upon first entering the patient’s room, set the medications and supplies down on the counter and perform hand hygiene. Next, place a washcloth or a small towel at the base of the neck and over the chest of the patient as protection, in case fluid inadvertently leaks from the tube or syringe during the assessment and administration processes. Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45° and pull the bedside table to a working height.
Open the bottle of sterile water or normal saline and pour 30 to 60 mL of fluid into the graduated cylinder. Then open both packages of 60-mL catheter-tip syringes and place the syringes on a clean washcloth or towel.
Now, proceed to confirm enteric tube termination location. Don clean gloves and remove protective cover from the catheter tip of one syringe. Hold the end of the enteric tube between your non-dominant thumb and forefinger, and with your dominant hand, grasp and gently remove the tube plug. Next, gently place the end of the 60-mL catheter-tip syringe into the enteric tube opening until it is secure. Now, gently pull back on the plunger until gastric fluid appears in the syringe. Next, gently twist the syringe while pulling outward to detach it from the enteric tube and place it on the bedside table. Now, grasp the enteric tube plug between the dominant thumb and forefinger and insert it back into the end of the enteric tube.
Subsequently, open the pH indicator strip packaging, remove one pH strip, and hold it between your non-dominant thumb and forefinger. While holding the syringe with your dominant hand, place the pH test strip at the end of the catheter tip and then gently depress the plunger until a drop of fluid forms and saturates the end of the pH test strip. After 3 to 5 seconds, or until the test strip color stabilizes, compare the test strip to the pH chart on the packaging. A pH below 6 is consistent with the pH associated with gastric fluids and confirms the end of the enteric tube is in the gastrointestinal tract.
Next, hold the 60-mL catheter-tip syringe with your non-dominant hand, place the catheter tip into the sterile water or saline in the graduated cylinder, and withdraw 30 mL of fluid. Next, with your non-dominant hand, grasp the end of the enteric tube between your thumb and forefinger and gently remove the enteric tube plug. Hold the syringe in your dominant hand and gently place the end of the catheter into the enteric tube opening, until it is secure. Keeping the syringe upright, gently press the plunger with the thumb of your dominant hand, pushing the gastric fluid back into the tube and then flushing the fluid line with saline. Remove the syringe tip from the end of the enteric tube and place the syringe on the bedside table. Also, place the cap back on the enteric tube.
Perform the third and final medication safety check, adhering to the five “rights” of medication administration. Next, prepare the enteric tube medications. For powdered medications, gently pour 10 to 15 mL of sterile water or normal saline into each medication cup and gently stir with the catheter tip of the syringe until the powder dissolves into the liquid.
To prepare the flush, withdraw 15 mL of the water or saline into the 60-mL syringe. Do this for every medication to be delivered. Each medication must have a 10 to 15 mL flush between medications. Some enteric medications may precipitate and clog the tube if allowed to mix within the nasogastric tubing. Therefore, a generous flushing between and after medication administration is necessary.
Now, hold the syringe in your dominant hand and secure the medication cup with your non-dominant thumb and forefinger. Place the syringe into the medication cup and gently stir the medication with the fluid while simultaneously pulling upward on the syringe plunger. Stirring the medication while withdrawing will allow the medication to remain suspended in the liquid and assure all of the medication is withdrawn. Then place the cup and syringe onto the bedside table.
Next, grasp the end of the enteric tube between your non-dominant thumb and forefinger, remove the enteric plug with your other hand, and gently place the end of the catheter-tip syringe containing the medication into the enteric tube opening until it is secure. Then, with your dominant thumb, gently depress the plunger, pushing the medication into the tube. After administration, remove the empty syringe and place it on the bedside table and pinch the tube to avoid content overflow and loss of medication.
Next, pick up the flush syringe and gently place the end of the catheter into the enteric tube opening, until it is secure. Depress the plunger, pushing 10 to 15 mL of the fluid into the enteric tube, flushing the enteric tube. Repeat these steps for all of the medications. After the last medication has been administered, push at least 30 mL of sterile water or normal saline into the enteric tube to ensure all medications have been cleared and cap the enteric tube.
Next, clean the supplies used. Add 100 mL of sterile water or saline into the graduated cylinder, pull 30 to 60 mL of clean water into the syringe used to administer medications, and then push the fluid out into the sink to clean the syringe. Repeat the process until all medication residue is cleared from the syringe and discard the remaining fluid from the graduated cylinder.
Then, using the tape and marker, label each syringe, cylinder, and bottle of sterile water or saline with the current date and time. These supplies need to be replaced every 24 hours to prevent growth of pathogens, and any unlabeled supplies present in the room should be discarded and replaced with new ones. Dispose of the medication cups and packaging into the appropriate trash receptacles and remove the cloth from the patient and bedside table and place them in the dirty linen receptacle.
After administration, document enteric tube medication administration in the patient’s EHR. Record the date, time, and site of the enteric tube medication administration and the findings of the enteric tube termination assessment. Also, include the total volume of fluid administered-including medication fluid administration and post-administration flushes-in the fluid intake section of the EHR. Then, leave the patient’s room and perform hand hygiene.
“Enteric tubes serve multiple purposes, including stomach decompression, enteric feeding, and administration of medications or the oral contrast. Prior to instilling any fluid or medication into the enteric tube, it is important to confirm that the tube terminates in the intended location in the gastrointestinal tract using the pH strip confirmation method.”
“A common error associated with administering enteric tube medications is drawing all medications into the 60-mL catheter-tip syringe at the same time. Doing so may result in inadvertent clogging of the enteric tube or exposure of medications to each other in a non-acidic environment. This could potentially result in alterations of medication action and an adverse reaction in the patient.”
“Another common error is failing to flush the enteric tube between and following medication administration, which could result in interaction between the medications or enteric tube occlusion, requiring the replacement of the tube.”
You’ve just watched JoVE’s video on preparation and administration of enteric tube medications. You should now understand how to prepare the medications for administration, how to check that the enteric tube terminates in the correct position, and the safe practices of medication administration using the five “rights.” As always, thanks for watching!
This video details the process of administering medications into an enteric tube. Prior to instilling any fluid or medication into the enteric tube, it is important to confirm that the enteric tube terminates in the intended location in the gastrointestinal tract using the pH strip confirmation method. Flushing the enteric tube prior to, in between, and after medication administration helps to prevent medications from remaining in the line and the occlusion of the line. A common error associated with administering enteric tube medications is drawing all medications into the 60-mL catheter-tip syringe at the same time, thus administering all medications in one syringe. Doing so may result in the inadvertent clogging of the enteric tube or the exposure of the medications to each other in a non-acidic environment. This could potentially result in alterations of medication action and an adverse reaction in the patient. Another common error is failing to flush the enteric tube between and following medication administration, which could result in interactions between the medications or enteric tube occlusion, requiring the replacement of the tube.
Enteric tube medication administration is indicated for patients with impaired swallowing, neurological, or other conditions associated with increased risk of aspiration, or when the patient is unable to maintain an adequate oral intake of fluid or calories.
Medications administered through an enteric tube are typically oral preparations that must either be crushed into powder by the nurse or prepared into suspension or liquid form by the pharmacy. Like for any medication administration procedure, a nurse must follow and complete the five “rights” at the three safety checkpoints. Additionally, before administration, the nurse must also confirm that the tube still terminates in the intended gastrointestinal location.
This video presents the process of both assessing enteric tube placement and administering medications through the tube.
Upon entering the patient’s room, perform proper hand hygiene.
Next, walk to the bedside computer and log into the electronic health record, or EHR. Review the patient’s medical history and any recorded allergies to confirm potential adverse reactions. In the EHR, review the electronic Medication Administration Record, or MAR. On the MAR, find the meds to be administered at that time. Ask the patient if they have a preference or concerns prior to acquiring and preparing the medication. Some patients are sensitive to large volumes of fluid administered through the enteral tube or request fluids and medications to be administered slowly to avoid nausea. After confirming with the patient, exit out of the EHR, leave the room, and perform hand hygiene.
Next, in the medication preparation area, acquire the enteric tube medications from the medication dispensing device and complete the first safety check using the 5 “rights” of medication administration. Now, prepare the enteric tube medication as indicated in the patient’s MAR, pharmacy instructions, nurse drug guide, patient preference, and according to best practices and institutional policies and procedures. For tablets, open the tablet packaging and use a pill mortar and pestle or a pill crusher to crush the tablet into a powder. Ensure that you create fine powder to decrease the likelihood of clogging the enteric tube. Empty the contents of the mortar or pill crusher into a medication cup. If two or more drugs have to be administered, they should never be crushed and mixed together.
Write the medication name and dosage on a tape or a pre-printed medication label. Some institutions may require additional information according to their medication labeling policy. Dispose of all medication packaging in the proper disposal receptacle. Now, complete the second safety check using the 5 “rights” of medication administration.
Finally, gather the needed supplies: two 60-mL catheter-tip syringes, a graduated cylinder, a bottle of sterile water or normal saline, plastic medication cups, 2 washcloths or small towels, a pH indicator strip bottle or package, a roll of silk or cloth tape, and an indelible marker. Take the supplies into the patient’s room.
Upon first entering the patient’s room, set the medications and supplies down on the counter and perform hand hygiene. Next, place a washcloth or a small towel at the base of the neck and over the chest of the patient as protection, in case fluid inadvertently leaks from the tube or syringe during the assessment and administration processes. Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45° and pull the bedside table to a working height.
Open the bottle of sterile water or normal saline and pour 30 to 60 mL of fluid into the graduated cylinder. Then open both packages of 60-mL catheter-tip syringes and place the syringes on a clean washcloth or towel.
Now, proceed to confirm enteric tube termination location. Don clean gloves and remove protective cover from the catheter tip of one syringe. Hold the end of the enteric tube between your non-dominant thumb and forefinger, and with your dominant hand, grasp and gently remove the tube plug. Next, gently place the end of the 60-mL catheter-tip syringe into the enteric tube opening until it is secure. Now, gently pull back on the plunger until gastric fluid appears in the syringe. Next, gently twist the syringe while pulling outward to detach it from the enteric tube and place it on the bedside table. Now, grasp the enteric tube plug between the dominant thumb and forefinger and insert it back into the end of the enteric tube.
Subsequently, open the pH indicator strip packaging, remove one pH strip, and hold it between your non-dominant thumb and forefinger. While holding the syringe with your dominant hand, place the pH test strip at the end of the catheter tip and then gently depress the plunger until a drop of fluid forms and saturates the end of the pH test strip. After 3 to 5 seconds, or until the test strip color stabilizes, compare the test strip to the pH chart on the packaging. A pH below 6 is consistent with the pH associated with gastric fluids and confirms the end of the enteric tube is in the gastrointestinal tract.
Next, hold the 60-mL catheter-tip syringe with your non-dominant hand, place the catheter tip into the sterile water or saline in the graduated cylinder, and withdraw 30 mL of fluid. Next, with your non-dominant hand, grasp the end of the enteric tube between your thumb and forefinger and gently remove the enteric tube plug. Hold the syringe in your dominant hand and gently place the end of the catheter into the enteric tube opening, until it is secure. Keeping the syringe upright, gently press the plunger with the thumb of your dominant hand, pushing the gastric fluid back into the tube and then flushing the fluid line with saline. Remove the syringe tip from the end of the enteric tube and place the syringe on the bedside table. Also, place the cap back on the enteric tube.
Perform the third and final medication safety check, adhering to the five “rights” of medication administration. Next, prepare the enteric tube medications. For powdered medications, gently pour 10 to 15 mL of sterile water or normal saline into each medication cup and gently stir with the catheter tip of the syringe until the powder dissolves into the liquid.
To prepare the flush, withdraw 15 mL of the water or saline into the 60-mL syringe. Do this for every medication to be delivered. Each medication must have a 10 to 15 mL flush between medications. Some enteric medications may precipitate and clog the tube if allowed to mix within the nasogastric tubing. Therefore, a generous flushing between and after medication administration is necessary.
Now, hold the syringe in your dominant hand and secure the medication cup with your non-dominant thumb and forefinger. Place the syringe into the medication cup and gently stir the medication with the fluid while simultaneously pulling upward on the syringe plunger. Stirring the medication while withdrawing will allow the medication to remain suspended in the liquid and assure all of the medication is withdrawn. Then place the cup and syringe onto the bedside table.
Next, grasp the end of the enteric tube between your non-dominant thumb and forefinger, remove the enteric plug with your other hand, and gently place the end of the catheter-tip syringe containing the medication into the enteric tube opening until it is secure. Then, with your dominant thumb, gently depress the plunger, pushing the medication into the tube. After administration, remove the empty syringe and place it on the bedside table and pinch the tube to avoid content overflow and loss of medication.
Next, pick up the flush syringe and gently place the end of the catheter into the enteric tube opening, until it is secure. Depress the plunger, pushing 10 to 15 mL of the fluid into the enteric tube, flushing the enteric tube. Repeat these steps for all of the medications. After the last medication has been administered, push at least 30 mL of sterile water or normal saline into the enteric tube to ensure all medications have been cleared and cap the enteric tube.
Next, clean the supplies used. Add 100 mL of sterile water or saline into the graduated cylinder, pull 30 to 60 mL of clean water into the syringe used to administer medications, and then push the fluid out into the sink to clean the syringe. Repeat the process until all medication residue is cleared from the syringe and discard the remaining fluid from the graduated cylinder.
Then, using the tape and marker, label each syringe, cylinder, and bottle of sterile water or saline with the current date and time. These supplies need to be replaced every 24 hours to prevent growth of pathogens, and any unlabeled supplies present in the room should be discarded and replaced with new ones. Dispose of the medication cups and packaging into the appropriate trash receptacles and remove the cloth from the patient and bedside table and place them in the dirty linen receptacle.
After administration, document enteric tube medication administration in the patient’s EHR. Record the date, time, and site of the enteric tube medication administration and the findings of the enteric tube termination assessment. Also, include the total volume of fluid administered-including medication fluid administration and post-administration flushes-in the fluid intake section of the EHR. Then, leave the patient’s room and perform hand hygiene.
“Enteric tubes serve multiple purposes, including stomach decompression, enteric feeding, and administration of medications or the oral contrast. Prior to instilling any fluid or medication into the enteric tube, it is important to confirm that the tube terminates in the intended location in the gastrointestinal tract using the pH strip confirmation method.”
“A common error associated with administering enteric tube medications is drawing all medications into the 60-mL catheter-tip syringe at the same time. Doing so may result in inadvertent clogging of the enteric tube or exposure of medications to each other in a non-acidic environment. This could potentially result in alterations of medication action and an adverse reaction in the patient.”
“Another common error is failing to flush the enteric tube between and following medication administration, which could result in interaction between the medications or enteric tube occlusion, requiring the replacement of the tube.”
You’ve just watched JoVE’s video on preparation and administration of enteric tube medications. You should now understand how to prepare the medications for administration, how to check that the enteric tube terminates in the correct position, and the safe practices of medication administration using the five “rights.” As always, thanks for watching!
