5-13. TELL THE PATIENT TO DRINK WATER
Place the emesis basin under the patient's chin if the patient begins to gag.
Keep a towel readily available to clean and dry the patient if he spills the water.
Figure 5-1. Determine the distance to insert the tube.
5-14. INSERT THE TUBE
Follow this procedure:
a. Slide the tube into the selected nostril when the patient swallows. Do this
using the thumb and forefinger of each hand consecutively or concurrently, as you
prefer.
b. Move the tube one to two inches forward into the nasogastric passageway
each time the patient swallows. DO NOT FORCE the advancement of the tube
because it would cause the patient to gag, choke, or vomit.
c. Discontinue the insertion if the patient chokes or coughs by removing the tube
completely and/or allowing the patient to rest two to three minutes. Begin the procedure
again.
MD0581
5-7