a. Gastric and intestinal intubation is the process of passing a tube through the nose or mouth, through the esophagus, and into the stomach or intestine.

A patient is intubated for one or more of the following purposes:

(1) To obtain specimens of gastric and intestinal contents for laboratory analysis.

(2) To relieve distention of the stomach or intestine, or to keep an obstructed bowel empty.

(3) To gavage (tube feed) or to administer drugs to unconscious or extremely weak patients.

(4) To lavage (wash out) the stomach prior to surgery, in the case of poisoning, and some types of gastric disorders (bleeding, for example).

b. The intubation procedure is usually done by the professional nurse or physician. Under conditions specified by local Department of Nursing policy, the nursing paraprofessional may be authorized to intubate a patient.