10 Questions
Which of the following is NOT a purpose/indication for a nasogastric tube?
Treatment of esophageal tumors
Which condition is a contraindication for the insertion of a nasogastric tube?
Chronic stomach pain
What is one of the main complications that can result from NG tube insertion?
Esophageal perforation
Which practitioner can commonly insert nasogastric tubes?
Doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals
How can the position of an NG tube be confirmed?
By using pH indicator paper on NG aspirate
What should you do if the pH reading of the nasogastric tube aspirate is more than 5.5?
Consult the healthcare team and do not administer anything down the nasogastric tube
What is the purpose of the syringe test (whoosh test) in confirming the placement of a nasogastric tube?
The syringe test (whoosh test) is an unreliable method and should no longer be used to confirm nasogastric tube placement
What is the purpose of performing a chest X-ray to confirm the placement of a nasogastric tube?
To visually confirm the position of the nasogastric tube and ensure it is not coiled or misplaced
What is the recommended procedure for checking the placement of a nasogastric tube using the pH test?
Gently withdraw aspirate along the length of the nasogastric tube into the syringe, and if the reading is more than 5.5, do not administer anything down the tube and consult the healthcare team
What is the recommended method for confirming the placement of a nasogastric tube?
Performing a chest X-ray to visually confirm the position of the nasogastric tube
Study Notes
Nasogastric Tubes (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
- Decompression of the stomach to remove gas and fluid
- Relief of 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 oesophageal
- Unstable Cervical Spinal injuries
Complications
- Aspiration and tissue trauma
- Placement of the catheter can induce gagging or vomiting, Patient discomfort
- Epistaxis
- Pulmonary complications
- Esophageal perforation
Confirming NG Tube Position
pH Indicator Method
- Attach a syringe to the end of the tube and aspirate a small amount of stomach contents (at least 0.5-1ml).
- If the pH reading is more than 5.5, DO NOT administer anything down the nasogastric tube and consult the healthcare team.
Chest X-ray Method
- A chest X-ray can be used to confirm the safe placement of an NG tube if pH testing is not possible.
- Some hospitals may require a chest X-ray to confirm the safe placement of all NG tubes, regardless of the NG aspirate results.
Syringe Test (Whoosh Test) - Unreliable Method
- This method involves air injection through the tube, and if the air is heard in the stomach with a stethoscope, it is assumed the tube is in the correct position.
- The absence of gurgling suggests the tip of the NGT is elsewhere (lung, esophagus, pharynx).
- This method is no longer recommended due to its unreliability.
Test your knowledge on the insertion and uses of nasogastric tubes, which are commonly used for feeding, medication administration, bowel irrigation, stomach decompression, and more. Learn about the various sizes of NG tubes and the purposes they serve in healthcare.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
