Medical Terminology Simplified

Pharmacology • CHAPTER 6 263263

Insertion of a nasogastric tube through the nose into the stomach

Nasogastric intubation is used to relieve gastric distention by removing gas, gastric

secretions, or food. It is also used to instill medication, food, or fluids or obtain a

specimen for laboratory analysis.

PHARMACOLOGY

The following table lists common drug categories used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, as well as their therapeutic
actions.

nasogastric (NG)

intubation

nā-zō-GĂS-trĭk

ĭn-tū-BĀ-shŭn

nas/o: nose

gastr: stomach

-ic: pertaining to

Drug Category Action

antacids

ănt-ĂS-ĭds

antidiarrheals

ăn-tĭ-dī-ă-RĒ-ăls

antiemetics

ăn-tĭ-ē-MĔT-ĭks

laxatives

LĂK-să-tĭvz

Neutralize acids in the stomach

Control loose stools and relieve diarrhea by absorbing excess water in the bowel or slowing

peristalsis in the intestinal tract

Control nausea and vomiting by blocking nerve impulses to the vomiting center of

the brain

Relieve constipation and facilitate passage of feces through the lower GI tract

Pronunciation Help Long sound a ̄in ra ̄te e ̄in re ̄birth ı ̄in ı ̄sle o ̄in o ̄ver u ̄in u ̄nite

Short sound a ̆in a ̆lone e ̆in e ̆ver ̆ıin ı ̆t o ̆in no ̆t u ̆in cu ̆t