NG insertion procedure Quiz

Reorder the following in the Introduction stage

• Gather and prepare equipment

• Check for allergies

  Check for pain before procedure

• Briefly explain procedure - patient-friendly language

• Introduce self and role

  Confirm patient's name and DOB

• Wash hands and don PPE (if appropriate)

Reorder the following in the: Measurement of the insertion length stage

• Measure from bridge of nose to ear lobe and then down to 5cm below the xiphisternum

• Don a pair of non-sterile gloves

• Position the patient sitting upright with their head in a neutral position

Reorder the following in the: Insertion of the NG tube stage

• Insert NG tube through one of the patient's nostrils

  Gently advance NG tube through the nasopharynx

• Continue to advance the NG tube down the oesophagus

• Lubricate tip of NG tube.

  If available, spray local anesthetic towards back of patient's throat

• Warn the patient you are about to insert the NG tube

• Once you reach desired nasogastric tube insertion length, fix the NG tube to the nose with a dressing

Reorder the following in the: Aspiration of the NG tube stage

• Attempt to aspirate gastric contents

• Once the NG tube is deemed safe for use, the radiopaque guidewire can be removed

• Move on to complete the procedure

Reorder the following in the: Complete procedure stage

• Document the details of the procedure in the patient's notes

• Let the nursing staff know if the NG tube is currently safe to use

• Thank patient for their time

  Offer the patient paper towels to clean their face and nose

• Dispose of used equipment into a clinical waste bin.

  Wash your hands

• Explain that procedure is now complete

  Reassure that NG tube will become more comfortable over the next few hours

Why is it important to verify the placement of an NG tube after insertion?

• To ensure the tube is comfortable for the patient

• To prevent complications associated with incorrect placement

• To confirm the size of the NG tube

• To assess the patient's tolerance to enteral feedings

Which method is considered the gold standard for confirming NG tube placement?

• Measurement of tube length

• Visual confirmation via X-ray

• Aspiration of gastric contents

• Observation of carbon dioxide (CO2) detection

What is the typical pH range of gastric aspirate, indicating correct NG tube placement in the stomach?

• pH 1-5

• pH 6-8

• pH 9-11

• pH 12-14

What is a potential complication of incorrect NG tube placement?

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• Decreased risk of aspiration
  

• Improved enteral feeding tolerance

• Decreased risk of tube dislodgement

• Aspiration pneumonia