Instructions for 'Gastric lavage'.

1. Explain the procedure to the patient.
2. Screen the patient or provide privacy.
3. Assemble the equipment to the bedside.
4. Place the mackintosh and towel around the patient’s neck and shoulder.
5. Wash hands and return to bedside
6. Remove dentures if any and place in a bowl containing cold water.
7. Give the patient a towel/gauze piece to wipe the secretion flowing from the mouth during the procedure.
8. Place the kidney tray in a convenient place.
9. Take the tube from the bowl and lubricate with glycerine.
10. Stand to the side and slightly behind the patient.
11. Instruct the patient to keep the head slightly forward, pass the tube along the roof of the mouth and taking care to prevent the tube from striking the pharynx, instruct the patient to swallow.
12. Allow the stomach content to drain.
13. Fill the funnel with irrigation solution and allow the solution to run in slowly, about 500 ml solution should be allowed to run before it is siphoned back.
14. Continue the treatment by introducing the fluid into the stomach and permitting it to run back until the return flow is clear,
15. Remove Ryle’s tube.
16. Make the patient comfortable.
17. Record and document the treatment.