Description
Title: Decreasing Pain and Discomfort Associated with Nasogastric Tube Placement Utilizing Oxymetazoline-Tetracaine and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Presented By:
Angela Faulhaber, MSN, APRN, CPNP, CPHON
Jill Melchers, MSN, APRN, CPNP, CPHON
Overview of the Course: Presented at the 2025 Spring Education Exchange (SEE) this course presents a focus on nasogastric (NG) tube placement is one of the most painful medical procedures, often causing anxiety, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this, an interdisciplinary task force at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital implemented an intranasal numbing spray, oxymetazoline-tetracaine, to reduce pain and discomfort. The goal was for over 90% of patients, caregivers, and staff to rate the spray as “excellent” or “good” by January 31, 2023. Data from 25 patients showed that 92% rated the spray positively, with many reporting less pain and distress. The task force recommends wider use of the spray and further research into its effectiveness in pediatric patients. They also suggest expanding its use to other nasal procedures to improve patient satisfaction and pain management.
This Course will Explore:
- The challenges and pain associated with nasogastric (NG) tube placement in pediatric patients
- The development and implementation of an intranasal oxymetazoline‑tetracaine numbing spray to reduce discomfort
- Patient, caregiver, and staff feedback on the spray’s effectiveness and impact on pain and anxiety
- Recommendations for broader use of the numbing spray and areas for future research
- Potential expansion of the spray’s use to other nasal procedures to improve overall patient experience
Upon successful completion of this course, nurses will earn .50 NCPD hours associated with this activity.
Association for Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 14513.
Individual Learning Needs Assessment (ILNA) Coding
The program content has been reviewed by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) and is acceptable for recertification points. You may claim .50 NCPD in one of the following ILNA categories: Care of the Pediatric Hem/Onc Patient, Pediatric Hem/Onc Nursing Practice, Professional Performance
Please reach out to the Education Team at education@aphon.org with your name, the email associated with your APHON account, and the above ILNA category you would like to have reflected on your certificate, and APHON can update your completion certificate to reflect your choice.
Any questions? Contact education@aphon.org
