Lesson 56: NG TUBES & Teaching

 

A nasogastric tube, or NG tube, is a special tube that carries food and medicine to the stomach through the nose.

Other reasons for a NG tube

1. Compression of stomach
2.  Decompression of stomach
3. Lavage of stomach 

 

NCLEX Things to take NOTE of when inserting an NG tube:

Anatomical Measuring Points (Length of tube)	Measure from the tip of the nose, to the tip of the ear lobe, to the tip of the xiphoid
Patient position	High Fowlers
If you feel resistance	Don’t stop immediately apply downward pressure first to see if you can make progress.  * Always use lubrication
Help make it easier	Have patient lean forward and take sips of water
Check for correct placement:	Aspirating gastric contents Checking for pH of gastric contents (looking for less than 4)
If can’t aspirate anything	Push the tube down further FIRST then recheck placement
Secure tube	Tape

 

Common sense tips: ·         If a patient is confused or a baby get help ·         A cup of Water is needed. NOT to prevent dry mouth but to help facilitate the tube going down the back of the throat. ·         Listening for air bubble in the tube is NOT a good answer for NCLEX. Don’t pick it as a way to check for accurate placement. ·         If patient vomits, clean them up and keep trying to put that NG down. Let them know the tube will make them feel better and keep them from throwing up in the future (if decompression is the indication)