Definition
Nasogastric suction involves removing solids, liquids, or gasses from the stomach or small intestine by inserting a tube through the nose and suctioning the gastrointestinal material through the tube.
Purpose
Nasogastric suction may be done in the following situations:
- to decompress the stomach or small intestine when intestinal obstruction (ileus) is suspected
- prior to gastrointestinal operations
- to obtain a sample of the gastric contents for analysis
- to remove toxic...
Source: Encyclopedia of Medicine, ©2002 Gale Cengage. All Rights Reserved. Full copyright.
(The entire page is 625 words.)
Want to read the whole thing?
Subscribe to eNotes for access to this content as well as thousands of study guides and critical materials. SUBSCRIBE
