Important Nursing Procedures

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
5. Urinary Catheterization
a. Verify MD’s order
b. Practice strict asepsis
c. Perineal care before the procedure
d. Catheter size: male-14-16 , female – 12 – 14
e. Length of catheter insertion
male – 6-9 inches ,female – 3-4 inches
For retention catheter:
Male –anchor laterally or upward over the lower abdomen to prevent penoscrotal pressure
Female- inner aspect of the thigh
6. Bed Bath
a. Provide privacy
b. Expose, wash and dry one body part a time
c. Use warm water (110-115 F)
d. Wash from cleanest to dirtiest
e. Wash, rinse, and dry the arms and leg using Long, firm strokes from distal to proximal area – to increase venous return.
7. Foot Care
a. Soaking the feet of diabetic client is no longer recommended
b. Cut nail straight across
8. Mouth Care
a. Eat coarse, fibrous foods (cleansing foods) such as fresh fruits and raw vegetables
b. Dental check every 6 mounts
9. Oral care for unconscious client
a. Place in side lying position
b. Have the suction apparatus readily available
10. Hair Shampoo
c. Place client diagonally in bed
d. Cover the eyes with wash cloth
e. Plug the ears with cotton balls
f. Massage the scalp with the fatpads of the fingers to promote circulation in the scalp.
11. Restraints
g. Secure MD’s order for each episode of restraints application.
h. Check circulation every 30 min
i. Remove restraints at least every 2 hours for 30 minutes