USE OF ANTI-INFECTIVE MEDICATIONS VIA THE GASTROSTOMY CATHETER: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NURSING

Abstract

Objective: to present specific recommendations in the preparation and administration of anti-infective medications via the gastrostomy catheter in the Emergency Unit of a University Hospital in the South of Brazil. Method: a descriptive-exploratory, cross-sectional, qualitative-quantitative study conducted between April and October 2015. Quantitative descriptive statistics were used, with a qualitative non-systematic review of the literature, considering national and international publications, from the combination of the keywords: profile and medications via catheter. Results: among the 568 prescriptions analyzed, there were 143 different medications prescribed, with prevalence of the anti-infectious class (25.9%) and predominance of solid forms; however, 83.3% of the medications presented some restriction in use with catheter even though there were substitution options available, demonstrating the need for a care procedure. Final considerations: among the majority of the prescribed solid medications for use via gastrostomy catheter, replacement options were available, demonstrating the need for their substitution with other forms and for the follow-up of specific recommendations by the nursing/health team.

Keywords

• Enteral nutrition
• Patient safety
• Drug interactions
• Food-drug interactions
• Nursing care