Nasogastric Tube (NGT) Quiz

Nasogastric Tube (NGT)

• A thin, flexible plastic tube inserted through the nose, esophagus, and into the stomach.
• Used for feeding, draining, or administering medication.
• Purpose includes drainage, diagnostic, therapeutic, and feeding.
• Another type is the Orogastric Tube (OG), inserted through the mouth.

Indications for NGT Use

• Feeding infants and children unable to eat orally.
• Conditions involving oral surgery (cleft lip/palate, jaw fracture, difficulty swallowing).
• Malnutrition.
• Premature babies.
• Vomiting (e.g., anorexia nervosa).
• Aspiration of gastric contents (e.g., poisoning).
• Medication administration.
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
• Unconsciousness.
• Endotracheal intubation.

Equipment for NGT Insertion

• Kidney tray (for waste).
• Cotton-tipped applicators (for cleaning nostrils).
• Ryle's tube (a specific type of nasogastric tube).
• Lubricant (water-soluble jelly or glycerin).
• Scissors and adhesive plaster/tape.
• Measuring cup/glass.
• Sterile syringe (10-20 ml).
• Paper bag (for waste collection).
• Glass of feed in warm water (to maintain body temperature).
• Tongue blade.
• Suction apparatus (to clear airways).
• Bowel of water (to check tube placement).
• Clamp (for preventing leakage of gastric contents).

Procedure for NGT Insertion

• Identify and explain the procedure to the child/parent.
• Place the child in a comfortable position (supine, head elevated).
• Arrange a face towel across the child's chest.
• Keep a kidney tray on hand to collect any vomiting.
• Clean nostrils.
• Prepare equipment.
• Wash hands properly.
• Check the patency of the tube.
• Measure tube length (nose to xiphoid process).
• Lubricate the tube.
• Insert the tube slowly.
• Encourage swallowing with water sips.
• Insert the tube 3-4 inches each time and confirm placement in the stomach.
• Aspirate gastric contents and check pH (or radiographically).

Post-Insertion Care

• Monitor input and output.
• Teach the mother how to care for the tube.
• Monitor the time, date, amount, and content of feeding. Record appropriately.
• Teach proper oral hygiene (every 4-6 hours).
• Remove the tube when needed or blocked.

Contraindications for NGT Insertion

• Recent gastric surgery.
• Ulcers.
• Tracheoesophageal fistula.
• Recent esophageal surgery.
• Nasal polyps.
• Recent nasal or facial surgery.
• Deviated nasal septum.
• Patient on anticoagulant therapy.

Non-Radiologic Verification Methods

• Method 1: pH Test: Aspirate 2ml of stomach contents. Test the pH with pH paper. pH <5.5 confirms placement; >5.5 requires X-ray confirmation.

• Method 2: Gastric Auscultation: Inject 3mL of air into the tube while listening with a stethoscope for whooshing/gurgling/popping sounds; this indicates the tube's correct positioning.

• If the tube placement is doubtful, remove it and re-attempt placement.

Test your knowledge about Nasogastric Tubes (NGT) with this quiz. Learn about their uses, indications, and equipment involved in NGT insertion. Ideal for healthcare students and professionals.