MABINI COLLEGES

NCM 103
FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING
Skills Laboratory

GASTRIC GAVAGE

B. CONTINUOUS DRIP METHOD

Equipment:
Prescribed feeding formula
Empty dextrose bottle
IV tubing set
IV stand

Preparation at the Nurses’ station:

1. Pour the required amount of formula into the empty dextrose bottle or any gavage container.
2. Set up connections as in IV infusion.
3. Hang the container 8-12 inches above the patient’s level.
4. Open the clamp and allow small amount of feeding to run through the tube to expel the air.
5. Clamp the tube.
6. Place the feeding set up on a tray.
7. Bring to the bedside.

Procedure:
SUGGESTED ACTIONS
1. Help the patient assume a sitting position. If
contraindicated, elevate slightly the head of the
bed and turn the head to the right side.
2. Hang the gavage container 8-12 inches above
the patient’s level.
3. Check the patency and placement of the tube.
4. Connect the gastric tube to the end of the IV
tubing
5. Release gradually the clamp of the IV set and
regulate the rate of the flow of the formula.
PRINCIPLES OR RATIONALE
This position aids the tube to pass easier into the
stomach and prevents aspiration of the formula
into the respiratory tract.
Holding the container in this high allows feeding
to flow by gravitational force. Increased height of
the container may cause nausea and vomiting or
backflow of feeding.
Checking the patency and placement of the tube
ensures correct administration of food into the
stomach.
Rapid introduction of feeding especially if with
caloric content is high can cause diarrhea.
The flow is regulated to minimize nausea and
vomiting that occurs when formula passes thru the
nasopharynx and goes into the stomach abruptly.

This is to warm the solution as it passes thru the

If the formula was refrigerated, place a portion tube into the stomach.
of the IV tube in between covered hot water
bags.
6. During feeding, check at frequent intervals the
following:
a. Any untoward reaction of the patient
b. Functioning of the apparatus to detect
problems of leaks or obstructions The feeding set up may have leaks or tubes that
c. Rate of flow consume 200 -300 cc in 30 or might be obstructed by kinks or pressure.
45 minutes or as ordered. Rapid administration of feeding may cause GI
d. Contents of the gavage container; add upsets.
formula or refill as may be necessary
 7. Proceed as in syringe method. This is to ensure continuity of feeding.
8. When the required amount of formula is Water rinses that tube, and prevents coagulations
consumed follow with 30-60cc of water: of formula within the tube.
- Clamp and of disconnect the tube as soon as Clamping the tube prevents backflow of gastric
the water has emptied into the tubing. contents.
- Cover the end of the NGT with a piece of
gauze. This prevents soiling and contamination.
9. Keep the patient in sitting position or on his This helps prevent aspiration of gastric contents.
right side for an hour more. Change of position immediately after feeding
might provoke nausea and vomiting.
10. Remove the towel, keep the patient
comfortable.
11. Clean and return used equipment. It renders them safe and ready for next use.
12. Chart the following:
- Time the feeding was given
- Type and amount of feed given
- Untoward reactions noted such as nausea,
vomiting, abdominal distention, diarrhea

Prepared by:

MARIA CECILIA C. PERCIL, RN

Clinical Instructor