Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help for:
Severe trouble breathing, choking, or blue or grey lips
Sudden chest pain
Coughing up or vomiting a large amount of blood
Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
Fainting, marked confusion, or difficulty waking
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
While the tube is in place, tell staff promptly about increasing nose or throat pain, repeated vomiting, new abdominal swelling, a blocked tube, skin injury, or drainage that suddenly changes.
After discharge, contact your healthcare team urgently if vomiting returns, you cannot keep fluids down, your abdomen becomes increasingly swollen, you develop a fever, or pain is getting worse rather than improving.
Questions about eating, bowel movements, test results, or a planned review are usually suitable for routine follow-up unless they occur with urgent symptoms.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Gastric suction. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.