Correct order of medication administration for someone with a feeding tube

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I found some information that might answer your question:

http://www.atitesting.com/ati_next_gen/skillsmodules/content/Medication-Administration-2/equipment/nasogastric.html

Let us know if you have any more questions, and also feel free to post the homework question verbatim

These steps

Wash hands and wear gloves;

Resecure and refix any tape holding the enteral feeding tube in position if loose;

Close any ports on the enteral tube to ensure there is an airtight seal. Check if a connector to join the syringe to the tube is required, such as a PEG tube connector;

Check the position of the tube. To confirm the gastric placement of the nasogastric tube, follow local policy. The position of a PEG or surgical/radiological jejunostomy can be assessed by checking that the length of tube outside the body remains constant and the suture remains intact. Confirm that the patient is not experiencing undue pain or discomfort.

Check that the enteral feeding tube is patent by flushing with 30-50ml of water using a 50ml oral, enteral or catheter-tipped syringe. Do not use syringes designed for intravenous use. Oral, enteral and catheter-tipped syringes are not compatible with intravenous devices and their use reduces the risk of the drug being accidentally administered via the intravenous route.

If the tube is blocked, attempt to unblock it without using excessive force. If unsuccessful seek specialist advice.

Check prescription for the drug dose, route and site of administration according to local policy. Draw the required dose of the liquid drug into an appropriate syringe and place the syringe in a clean receiver.

Tablet-crushing must only be considered as a last resort. Check with the pharmacist whether tablets can be crushed, and check your trust’s preferred method of tablet-crushing. A tablet-crushing syringe (available from the pharmacy) or pestle and mortar can be used. Crushed tablets can be added to 30ml of water and dissolved.

Prepare a flush of water in a syringe and label if necessary. Place it in the receiver with the medicines to be administered. Tubes should be flushed before, during (if the suspension is thick, for example lactulose), and after drug administration to prevent interactions between the drugs, tube or feed. In some cases, for example in children or in patients with renal and cardiac disease, these volumes may need to be revised to meet the patient’s prescribed fluid restriction.

Check the patient’s identity. Attach the syringe to a port on the enteral feeding tube. Ensure there is an airtight connection between the syringe and enteral tube, and administer the flush and drugs.

Flush immediately with an appropriate amount of water and leave the connector clean and dry.