How to care for NG NJ Bridle
Key points below
What is a NG or NJ bridle?
A bridle keeps a nasogastric tube (NG) or nasojejunal tube (NJ) from slipping or coming out.
Your child’s bridle size is: 5-6 8-10 _________
Measurement from nose to the end of the tube is ________cm.
How will it be put in?
A provider with special training will place the bridle. This is done in the hospital or at a clinic visit. A stretchy magnetic probe is put into each nostril. The magnetic ends of each probe pull together behind a bone in the back of the nose. A thin tube is then pulled around the bone through the probe. A special clip is put on the end, outside of the nose. This clip holds the NG or NJ tube in place. The magnetic probe is removed.
How do I care for a bridle?
- Check your child’s skin every day for redness, sores, or pain.
- Clean the parts of the bridle you can see with mild soap and water daily.
- Clear mucus from the nose with bulb suction if needed.
- Put Aquaphor or Vaseline on the skin around the bridle at least 2 times a day.
- Tape or clip the NG or NJ tube to your child’s clothes to keep it from pulling.
- You do not need to use tape on the face when there is a bridle.
- Follow directions for taking care of the NG or NJ tube.
How often does it need to be changed?
The bridle needs to be changed every time the NG or NJ is changed or if the bridle becomes loose. NG tubes are changed every 30 days. NJ tubes are changed every 90 days. The clinic will call you to make an appointment for the tube change. Only a trained medical provider should remove a bridle. In an emergency, you may be told to go to the emergency department to have the bridle removed or replaced.
Some common things you can expect when your child has a bridle:
- Having Nasal congestion.
- Breathing noises may be more noticeable.
- Being crabby after having the bridle replaced.
Other teaching sheets that may be helpful:
- 1218: NG tube home care for babies
- 1406: NG tube home care for children and teens