Nasogastric Tube Definition, Uses, and Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are the common sizes of nasogastric tubes?

8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 Fr

List two purposes of inserting a nasogastric tube.

Feeding, Administration of medication

Why would a healthcare professional insert a nasogastric tube for bowel irrigation?

To clear the bowels of fecal matter or other obstructions

In what situation would a nasogastric tube be used to decompress the stomach?

To remove gas and fluid buildup Signup and view all the answers

When would a nasogastric tube be used for aspiration of gastric content?

After ingestion of toxic material Signup and view all the answers

What are the contraindications for nasogastric tube insertion?

Basal skull fractures, Nasal/pharyngeal/oesophageal obstruction or ulceration, Gastroparesis, Laryngectomy, Esophageal tumor or surgery, Actively bleeding oesophagus, Unstable Cervical Spinal injuries Signup and view all the answers

What are the main complications associated with NG tube insertion?

Aspiration, tissue trauma, gagging or vomiting, patient discomfort, epistaxis, pulmonary complications, esophageal perforation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of measuring the NG aspirate pH with pH indicator paper?

To confirm the position of the NG tube in the stomach Signup and view all the answers

Why is the syringe test (whoosh test) considered an unreliable method of checking tube placement?

It has been shown to be inaccurate and must not be used Signup and view all the answers

Why is a chest X-ray used to confirm the placement of an NG tube?

To ensure safe placement of the tube in the stomach Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the NG aspirate pH reading is more than 5.5?

Do NOT administer anything down the nasogastric tube and consult the healthcare team Signup and view all the answers

Why should NG tube insertion be avoided in patients with unstable Cervical Spinal injuries?

To prevent exacerbation of spinal injuries Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential risks associated with esophageal perforation during NG tube insertion?

Infection, leakage of stomach contents into the chest cavity Signup and view all the answers

How can healthcare professionals confirm the safe placement of an NG tube if pH testing is not feasible?

By using a chest X-ray Signup and view all the answers

What is gastroparesis, and why is it a contraindication for NG tube insertion?

Gastroparesis is partial paralysis of the stomach, making it unable to empty food normally. It is a contraindication because it can lead to complications during NG tube insertion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nasogastric Tube (NGT)

A nasogastric tube (NGT) is inserted through the nose, into the stomach via the esophagus for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
NGT comes in various sizes: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 Fr.

Purpose and Indications

Feeding
Administration of medication
Bowel irrigation
Decompressing the stomach and removing gas and fluid
Relieving symptoms and bowel rest in case of small-bowel obstruction
Aspiration of gastric content from recent ingestion of toxic material

Contraindications

Basal skull fractures
Nasal/pharyngeal/oesophageal obstruction or ulceration
Gastroparesis (partial paralysis of the stomach)
Laryngectomy
Esophageal tumor or surgery
Actively bleeding oesophagus
Unstable Cervical Spinal injuries

Complications of NGT

Aspiration and tissue trauma
Placement of the catheter can induce gagging or vomiting, patient discomfort
Epistaxis
Pulmonary complication
Esophageal perforation

Confirming NG Tube Position

Three methods to confirm NG tube position:
- Measurement of NG aspirate pH using pH indicator paper
- Chest X-ray (if pH testing is not possible or required by local guidelines)
- Syringe test (whoosh test) is NOT a reliable method and should not be used

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Description

Learn about the definition, sizes, and purposes of nasogastric tubes, which are inserted through the nose into the stomach for various diagnostic and therapeutic reasons. Explore the indications for using nasogastric tubes, including feeding, medication administration, bowel irrigation, stomach decompression, and symptom relief.