basics
Equipment
Insertion
Verification
Care and Complications
100

What does NG stand for?

Nasogastric

100


  • What syringe is used with NG tubes?



  •  60 mL catheter-tip syringe


100


  • What action helps advance the tube?



  • Swallowing water


100


  • What pH indicates gastric placement?



  • Less than 5


100


  • How should the head be positioned during feedings? 



  • At least 30° up


200

Name 2 uses for NG tube

Feeding, decompression, meds, lavage

200


  • What do you measure before insertion?



  • Nose → Ear → Xiphoid process


200


  • If resistance is met, what should you do?



  • Stop, withdraw slightly, reattempt — never force


200


  • What sound do you hear when auscultating stomach after air injection? 



  •  “Whoosh”


200


  • Name 2 possible complications of NG tubes. 



  • Aspiration, blockage, nosebleeds, sinusitis, gastric injury


300

What position should the patient be in during this insertion?

High Fowlers(90 degree)

300


  • Name 3 essential supplies. 



  • NG tube, lubricant, gloves, tape, water with straw, suction setup


300


  • What do you do if the patient coughs/chokes during insertion? 



  • Withdraw slightly and check placement


300


  • Which method is not reliable on its own?



  • Auscultation


300


  • What should you do if the tube clogs?



  • Flush with water, never use force


400

What is the gold standard for confirming placement?

Xray

400


  • What type of NG tube has two lumens?



  • Salem sump


400


  • How far do you typically insert the tube?



  • Until the pre-measured mark


400


  • Why is X-ray confirmation critical before starting feedings? 



  • Ensures tube is not in lungs/respiratory tract


400


  • How often should you provide oral care?



  • Every 2–4 hours or per policy


500

List 3 contraindications for NG tube placement?


  • Facial trauma, esophageal varices, recent GI surgery, bleeding disorder


500


  • Why use water-soluble lubricant instead of petroleum jelly? 



  • Safer if aspirated, dissolves in stomach


500


  • What is the first step before inserting an NG tube? 



  • Explain procedure & provide patient education


500


  • Name 2 bedside checks besides X-ray.



  • Aspirate gastric contents, check pH, auscultation


500


  • What are signs of misplacement into the lungs? 



  • Coughing, respiratory distress, low O₂ sat, abnormal chest X-ray


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