NG Tube

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Nasogastric (NG) tube insertion is a common medical procedure used to deliver food,
medications, or remove substances from the stomach. It involves inserting a flexible tube
through the nose into the stomach. Below are the detailed procedure steps, indications, and
contraindications for NG tube insertion.

Procedure for NG Tube Insertion:

1. Preparation:
o Explain the Procedure: Inform the patient about the procedure to reduce
anxiety and gain consent.
o Gather Equipment: NG tube, water-soluble lubricant, syringe (usually 50
ml), stethoscope, tape, glass of water, gloves, pH paper, and a suction system
(if required).
o Position the Patient: Sit the patient in a semi-Fowler’s position (head
elevated at 30-45 degrees) to reduce the risk of aspiration and ensure easier
passage.
o Measure the Tube: Measure the tube length by holding it from the tip of the
nose to the earlobe, then from the earlobe to the xiphoid process (lower end
of the sternum). Mark the tube at this point.
2. Insertion:
o Lubricate the Tube: Lubricate the distal end of the tube with water-soluble
jelly to ease insertion.
o Insert the Tube: Gently insert the tube through one nostril. Ask the patient to
tilt their head forward and sip water if able, to ease the passage of the tube into
the esophagus.
o Advance the Tube: As the patient swallows, advance the tube to the
measured mark. If resistance is met, slightly withdraw and try again, rotating
the tube if necessary.
o Check Placement:
 Auscultation: Inject air (15-30 ml) through the tube while listening
over the stomach with a stethoscope. A "whooshing" sound confirms
that the tube is in the stomach.
 pH Test: Aspirate stomach contents using a syringe and test the pH; a
pH of 1-5.5 suggests correct placement.
o Secure the Tube: Once confirmed, secure the tube to the nose with adhesive
tape to prevent displacement.
3. Post-Insertion Care:
o Connect to Feeding/Suction: If the tube is for feeding, medication, or
suction, connect to the appropriate system.
o Monitor the Patient: Observe for signs of distress, such as coughing or
difficulty breathing, which may indicate misplacement.
o Documentation: Record the procedure, tube size, and method of placement
confirmation in the patient’s records.

Indications for NG Tube Insertion:

1. Feeding (Enteral Nutrition):


o Patients unable to swallow or eat (e.g., stroke, neurological disorders, head
and neck cancers).
o Patients with severe burns, trauma, or critical illness requiring nutritional
support.
2. Decompression:
o To relieve gastric distension caused by obstruction, ileus, or abdominal
surgery.
o To aspirate gastric contents in cases of bowel obstruction or post-operative
ileus.
3. Gastric Lavage:
o Used to remove toxins, poisons, or ingested substances in cases of drug
overdose or poisoning.
4. Medication Administration:
o For patients unable to take oral medications, the NG tube provides a route for
delivering medication directly into the stomach.
5. Diagnosis:
o To assess gastrointestinal bleeding by aspirating stomach contents.
o To collect gastric fluid for diagnostic testing (e.g., analysis of acidity,
enzymes).

Contraindications for NG Tube Insertion:

1. Absolute Contraindications:
o Severe Facial or Skull Fractures: The risk of inadvertently inserting the tube
into the cranial cavity in patients with basilar skull fractures or severe mid-
face trauma.
o Esophageal Varices or Strictures: The insertion of the tube can cause
bleeding in patients with esophageal varices or strictures.
o Recent Nasal or Esophageal Surgery: The insertion can disrupt the healing
process and cause injury.
o Obstruction of the Nasal Passages: Nasal polyps, severe nasal septum
deviations, or nasal tumors can block the tube's passage.
2. Relative Contraindications:
o Coagulopathy or Anticoagulation Therapy: There is an increased risk of
bleeding during tube insertion.
o Severe Esophagitis or Ulcers: The tube may exacerbate existing esophageal
injuries.
o Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): NG tubes can worsen symptoms
of GERD by disrupting the lower esophageal sphincter.
o Altered Mental Status: Patients with altered consciousness may be at a
higher risk for aspiration unless the procedure is done carefully under
supervision.

Complications:

 Aspiration: Accidental misplacement into the lungs can cause aspiration pneumonia.
 Nasal and Throat Irritation: Prolonged use can cause irritation or ulceration of the
nasal and throat mucosa.
 Esophageal or Gastric Perforation: Rare but serious complication due to improper
insertion.
 Tube Displacement: The tube can shift from its correct position, leading to feeding
or medication administration into the lungs or incorrect organ.

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