What is the purpose of nasogastric tube insertion?

By inserting a nasogastric tube, you are gaining access to the stomach and its contents. This enables you to drain gastric contents, decompress the stomach, obtain a specimen of the gastric contents, or introduce a passage into the GI tract. This will allow you to treat gastric immobility, and bowel obstruction.

What should we monitor when inserting a nasogastric tube?

Methods of confirming NG tube position

• Auscultation of air insufflated through the feeding tube (‘whoosh’ test)
• Testing the acidity/alkalinity of aspirate using blue litmus paper.
• Interpreting the absence of respiratory distress as an indicator of correct positioning.
• Monitoring bubbling at the end of the tube.

How far do you insert an NG tube?

Gently insert the NG tube along the floor of the nose, and advance it parallel to the nasal floor (ie, directly perpendicular to the patient’s head, not angled up into the nose) until it reaches the back of the nasopharynx, where resistance will be met (10-20 cm).

How to insert a nasogastric ( NG ) tube in the head?

Insert the lubricated end of the tube into the clearest nostril, aiming the end of the tube straight back as you feed it in. The patient must continue looking straight at you. Direct the tube down and toward the ear on that side of the head. Do not allow the tube to feed upward and into the brain. Stop if you feel resistance.

Do you need to remove guide wire before inserting NG tube?

Alternatively, you may need to attach the end of the tube to a suction machine. Set the machine suction and pressure as indicated for that patient’s specific needs. If you need to use the NG tube for feeding or medication, you might need to remove the guide wire from inside before inserting anything into the stomach.

What to do if a NG tube comes out of your mouth?

A change in respiratory status suggests that the tube has been inserted into the trachea by mistake. You should also remove the tube if it comes out of the patient’s mouth. Inject air into the tube. Use a clean, dry syringe to insert air into the NG tube. Listen for the sound it makes using a stethoscope.

How to avoid complications related to NG tubes?

Many hospitals have developed checklists to avoid complications related to NG tubes. Any complications that do occurshould be reported on a critical incident form. Tube position should be checked after coughing or vomiting, as they can migrate.