It consists of the introduction of a probe (Faucher type) through the oral cavity to the stomach to irrigate fluids and extract gastric contents in cases of poisoning or upper digestive bleeding.
Poisoning:
-Aspirate the maximum gastric content possible with the syringe, reserving a sample for subsequent toxicological analysis, if indicated.
-Introduce warm water in an amount of between 140 and 300 cc.
-Give yourself a small massage on the epigastrium to encourage the dilution of the toxin with water.
-Empty the stomach by placing the proximal portion of the tube below the level of the stomach or aspirating.
-Observe the amount and appearance of the liquid that has been recovered, verifying that it corresponds approximately to the volume of liquid that has been introduced.
-Repeat this action until the liquid runs clear or a maximum of ten times (a total of 3 liters of liquid, since larger quantities could cause water poisoning).
-Complete, if prescribed, with the administration of activated charcoal and the cathartic.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding:
-Aspirate, according to medical indications, the gastric contents, connecting the probe to a low-pressure aspiration system or manually, in order to eliminate bleeding from the gastric cavity.
-Introduce 200 cc of physiological saline or very cold water through the tube and let it act for a few minutes in the stomach. Next, vacuum yourself.
-It is important to note the quantity and appearance of the aspirated content, ensuring that the volume introduced is recovered.
-The person should be covered to avoid hypothermia.
Nursing Considerations:
-At all times, the person’s vital signs must be monitored.
-In unconscious or semi-conscious people, this technique implies a great risk of bronchoaspiration, for this reason, and following medical criteria, orotracheal intubation will be required prior to lavage.
-There is a risk of abdominal distension related to the introduction of large quantities of liquid, for this reason strict control must be carried out on the quantities that are introduced and obtained, recommending that the final liquid administered does not exceed 3 liters .