An appropriate technique for nasogastric (NG)tube insertion is for the nurse to:
A)position the patient supine.
B)apply oil-based lubricant to the plastic tube.
C)advance the tube while the patient swallows.
D)measure the tube length from the nose to the sternum.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Encourage the patient to swallow by giving small sips of water or ice chips.Advance the tube as the patient swallows.Rotate the tube 180 degrees while inserting.Swallowing facilitates passage of the tube past the oropharynx.Position the patient sitting with the head of the bed elevated at least 30 degrees.If the patient is comatose,place him in semi-Fowler's position with the head propped forward using a pillow.If the patient is forced to lie supine,place him in reverse Trendelenburg's position.This reduces the risk for pulmonary aspiration in the event that the patient should vomit.Apply water-soluble lubricant.The tip of the tube must reach the stomach.Measure the distance from the tip of the nose to the earlobe to the xiphoid process of the sternum.Add 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches)for a nasoenteric tube.

An Appropriate Technique for Nasogastric (NG)tube Insertion Is for the Nurse