Nursing team’s performance evaluation regarding the administration of drugs via gastrointestinal intubation

Abstract

The objective of study was to evaluate the performance of nursing aides and technicians in the preparation and administration of drugs delivered via gastrointestinal intubation. This prospective, observational study was performed at a university hospital between July and September of 2009. Data collection was performed by non-participant observation and patient record analysis. A form was used to register the characterization of the professionals and the technique used to prepare and administer drugs. It was found that 69% of the drugs used were solid, submitted to derivation. Of all the drugs administered, 11 (42%) were prepared alone, while the other 15 (58%) were associated to another drug at the time of administration. Six preparations contained ingredients that could cause harmful interactions when simultaneously prepared and administered. It is concluded that there were differences between the  practices recommended by the specific literature and actual clinical practices, thus compromising patient safety.

Descriptors: Intubation, Gastrointestinal; Drug Interactions; Nursing, Team; Nursing Care.