15 Questions
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
When would a nasogastric tube be used for aspiration of gastric content?
After ingestion of toxic material
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
What are the main complications associated with NG tube insertion?
Aspiration, tissue trauma, gagging or vomiting, patient discomfort, epistaxis, pulmonary complications, esophageal perforation
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
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
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
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
Why should NG tube insertion be avoided in patients with unstable Cervical Spinal injuries?
To prevent exacerbation of spinal injuries
What are the potential risks associated with esophageal perforation during NG tube insertion?
Infection, leakage of stomach contents into the chest cavity
How can healthcare professionals confirm the safe placement of an NG tube if pH testing is not feasible?
By using a chest X-ray
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.
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
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.
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