NURSING PROCEDURES

1. Steam Inhalation a. It is dependent nursing function. b. Heat application requires physician’s order. c. Place the spout 12-18 inches away from the client’s nose or adjust the distance as necessary. 2. Suctioning a. Assess the lungs before the procedure for baseline information. b. Position: conscious – semi-Fowler’s c. Unconscious – lateral position d. Size of suction catheter- adult- fr 12-18 e. Hyper oxygenate before and after procedure f. Observe sterile technique g. Apply suction during withdrawal of the catheter h. Maximum time per suctioning –15 sec 3. Nasogastric Feeding (gastric gavage) Insertion: a. Fowler’s position b. Tip of the nose to tip of the earlobe to the xyphoid Tube Feeding a. Semi-Fowler’s position b. Assess tube placement c. Assess residual feeding d. Height of feeding is 12 inches above the tube’s point of insertion e. Ask client to remain upright position for at least 30 min. f. Most common problem of tube feeding is Diarrhea due to lactose intolerance 4. Enema a. Check MD’s order b. Provide privacy c. Position left lateral d. Size of tube Fr. 22-32 e. Insert 3-4 inches of rectal tube f. If abdominal cramps occur, temporarily stop the flow until cramps are gone. g. Height of enema can – 18 inches