Med-Surg Pop-Quiz

The nurse has inserted a nasogastric (NG) tube in a client and is checking for the correct placement of an NG tube. Which is the most reliable data to ensure that the end of the tube is in the stomach?

• Placement is verified on x-ray.
• The pH of the aspirated fluid is 5.
• The aspirated fluid is bile green in color.
• Air injection is auscultated in the left upper quadrant.

Answer explanation

The end of the NG tube should be in the stomach. An x-ray is the most reliable method of determining correct placement. The radiologist may recommend moving the tube backward or forward for a preferable placement.

A low pH such as 4.5 of the fluid aspirated is likely to be from the stomach, but pH is affected by tube feeding formulas and prescribed proton-pump inhibitors.

The characteristic bile green is highly suggestive that the tube is in the stomach.

Auscultation of the air injection is not recommended as a reliable method to establish correct placement.

Feedback for incorrect answers

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