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NG Cleanout for Bowel Prep

NG CleanoutWhy you are getting a cleanout:

  • Chronic or acute constipation
  • Preparation for procedure
  • Failed cleanout at home
  • Provider order

What to expect:

  • Medication possibly to calm patient prior to invasive procedures.
  • IV placement in patient room (will only use sedation if provider ordered)
  • NG tube placed in nose by RN
  • Verification of NG placement (typically x-ray)
  • Clear liquid diet only (possibly nothing depending on physician order)
  • Your child should be walking in the hall each hour to assist with this process
  • Medication to run through tube continuously while in the hospital.

NG Tube Placement

Your child can sit in someone’s lap, in their bed alone or
be held by ETCH staff for assistance.

  • The nurse will first measure the tube for proper placement.
  • Your child’s head must remain still and may be asked to drink clear liquids for ease of placement
  • There will be clear lubricant on the end of the tube to assist the tube slide in the nose.
  • Once the tube is in the proper place the nurse will listen to your belly, tape the tube in multiple locations and offer clear liquids.
  • *Tube placement can cause you to cough, be ticklish, irritate the nose and feel nauseous/vomit.

IV placement

  • The IV is very important for patients getting a cleanout due to the amount of fluid loss the patient will have with cleaning out their gastrointestinal system.
  • We can provide comfort measures with IV placement such as the use of a Child Life Specialist, distraction, pain ease medications and positioning.

IV use:

  • Fluids for hydration
  • Nausea medications
  • Other medications
  • Possible lab draw when starting IV

When is the bowel preparation complete?

  • Bowel movements must remain free of stool.
  • Typically, the nurse wants to see a minimum of two consecutive stools that are free from solid formation completely.

Day of Procedure

  • Your child will not be able to drink anything at least four hours prior to the procedure.
  • The medication in their NG tube will be turned off but IV fluids will remain.
  • Your child will go to the surgery area for their upper/lower scopes.
  • A provider will visit with you after the procedure. 
  • Results may not be given until follow up appointment for certain things.

Depending on findings, your child may remain in the hospital or may be discharged once they meet anesthesia criteria.