NCLEX-PN

Maintaining Tube Patency Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring the patency of various tubes and catheters, including nasogastric tubes, chest tubes, and artificial airway tubes. Maintaining tube patency is essential for proper client care and preventing complications. Here's how it's done: Preventing Tube Obstruction : The simplest way to prevent tube or line obstruction is to ensure they are not kinked or obstructed in any way. Regular visual checks are essential. Nasogastric Tube Patency ●​ Nasogastric tubes should be irrigated both before and after each medication administration and intermittent tube feeding. ●​ Continuous tube feeding may require additional irrigation per facility policy and procedure. Chest Tube Patency ●​ After the first 24 hours post-placement, chest tubes are assessed at least hourly for functioning, patency, fluid levels, and drainage characteristics. ●​ Subsequently, assessments are performed at least every eight hours following the initial 24-hour period. Artificial Airway Tube Patency - Endotracheal and Tracheostomy Tubes ●​ Endotracheal and tracheostomy tubes are regularly monitored for correct placement and patency. ●​ Patency is ensured through proper placement validation, the provision of humidity and suctioning as needed. Suctioning Procedure ●​ Suctioning is performed with a suitable vacuum source, either a central suctioning system or a portable machine. ●​ Suctioning catheters come in various sizes, with the largest appropriate size preferred. ●​ Catheter size varies by age group: adults and pediatric clients (10 to 16 Fr), Neonates and infants (5 to 8 Fr). ●​ Suctioning is performed using a sterile technique. Open vs. Closed Airway Suctioning ●​ Open airway suctioning is performed when the client breathes room air without supplemental oxygen.

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