Nasogastric Tubing

Question 1

What are the indications and contraindications for nasogastric tubing?

Answer 1

• Enteric feeding
• Medication administration
• Gut decompression
• Lavage
• Contraindications and risks
  
  • Recent ENT surgery
  • Trauma
  • Bleeding risk

Question 2

Outline the procedure of nasogastric tube insertion

Answer 2

• Introduce and explain
• Obtain consent
• Measure distance from earlobe to nose to xiphisternum on tube
• Ask patient to straighten their neck for initial insertion
• Ask patient to bend neck forward (to avoid trachea) and to take small sips of water
• Check placement
  
  • Aspirate and check pH
  • Push air and listen for whoosh
  • IMAGE if at all possible