ASSISTING NGT INSERTION

What is the primary purpose of inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube?

• To assist in breathing

• For medication administration only

• To remove gastric contents or provide nutrition

• To monitor heart rate

Which of the following is the best position for the patient during NGT insertion?

• Supine with legs elevated

• High Fowler’s position

• Prone position

• Left lateral position

The nurse’s role when assisting the physician during NGT insertion includes:

• Determining the length of the tube to be inserted

• Inserting the tube themselves

• Providing comfort and assisting in securing the tube

• Deciding on the type of tube used

Which of the following best confirms proper placement of the NGT before feeding?

• Patient's ability to talk

• Absence of coughing

• X-ray confirmation

• Appearance of the tube

Before administering a gavage feeding, the nurse should always:

• Heat the feeding to body temperature

• Administer water first

• Check for residual and tube placement

• Ask the physician

What is the most important nursing action before assisting in NGT insertion?

• Check the patient’s blood sugar

• Explain the procedure to the patient

• Ask the physician for gloves

• Raise the side rails

When measuring the correct length of the NGT for insertion, which points are used?

• Tip of nose to shoulder to stomach

• Nose to earlobe to xiphoid process

• Ear to chin to bellybutton

• Forehead to chin to chest

If the patient begins to cough and has difficulty breathing during insertion, the nurse should:

• Encourage swallowing

• Continue inserting the tube

• Pull the tube back slightly

• Stop the procedure immediately and notify the physician

After NGT insertion, which of the following methods can be used to verify placement before gavage feeding?

• Submerging the tube in water

• Injecting air and auscultating over the stomach

• Asking the patient if they feel full

• Massaging the abdomen

During intermittent gavage feeding, the feeding bag or syringe should be held:

• Below the level of the stomach

• At chest level

• At the level of the patient's eyes

• 12–18 inches above the stomach