disposable sputum container should be provided and changed frequently.
Measurement of expectorated saliva should be recorded on the I&O worksheet.
f. The physician may allow the patient to chew food and spit it out. This will
stimulate salivation and exercise the gums. This measure should only be entrusted to
reliable, compliant patients.
1-41. GASTROSTOMY DRESSING
After the original surgical incision has healed, the dressing procedure for the
stoma is routinely done by the nursing personnel in accordance with the physician's
orders. Generally, a minimal number of dry, sterile, gauze compresses are placed
around the tube. The clamped end of the gastrostomy tube may be coiled on top of the
dressing. A semipermeable surgical dressing such as OpSite may also be used to
protect the skin from breakdown.
a. Equipment.
(1)
Basin of warm, soapy solution.
(2)
Basin of warm water.
(3)
Chux pads.
(4)
Wash cloth.
(5)
Towel.
(6)
Paper bag or Chux pad (for discarded materials).
(7)
Sterile 4 x 4 gauze compresses, or a surgical dressing such as OpSite.
(8)
OpSite or similar surgical dressing.
b. Procedure.
(1)
Assemble the equipment.
(2) Explain the procedure to the patient and screen the patient for privacy.
Assist the patient into a comfortable position in bed. Turn the bed covers back to hip
level and open the pajamas to expose the gastrostomy dressing.
(3) Place a paper bag or Chux pad at the foot of the bed. Place a Chux pad
at the upper left side of the patient.
(4)
Wash your hands.
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