NG insertion procedure Quiz

Reorder the following in the Introduction stage

• Gather and prepare equipment

• Wash hands and don PPE (if appropriate)

• Check for allergies

  Check for pain before procedure

• Briefly explain procedure - patient-friendly language

• Introduce self and role

  Confirm patient's name and DOB

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

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

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

• Don a pair of non-sterile gloves

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

• 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

• Lubricate tip of NG tube.

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

• Continue to advance the NG tube down the oesophagus

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

  Gently advance NG tube through the nasopharynx

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

• Move on to complete the procedure

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

• Attempt to aspirate gastric contents

Reorder the following in the: Complete procedure stage

• 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

• Thank patient for their time

  Offer the patient paper towels to clean their face and nose

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

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

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