Nasogastric tube feeding and medication administration: a survey of nursing practices

Using a 62-item, investigator-developed mailed questionnaire, this descriptive study of 350 randomly selected staff nurses sought to identify variations in practices in the care of patients with nasogastric tubes (NGT). Reported here are the results from the 35 questionnaire items related to NGT feedings and medication administration. Wide variations were found in the amount of gastric residual considered "excessive," as well as in whether the entire residual was returned to the stomach. A large percentage of the nurses relied on physicians' orders for gavage feeding rate, giving additional water, and using the liquid form of a medication. Data indicate that published nursing research is not consistently used in practice, which represents a theory-practice gap. In addition, a theory-practice deficit in several areas related to NGT feedings points to the need for further research.