The nurse is ready to begin a tube feeding via a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube for a patient who is comatose. What is the priority action the nurse should take before starting the feeding?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Before starting tube feeding via NG tube, the nurse must check the pH of the gastric aspirate to ensure the tube is placed in the stomach and not the lungs. Incorrect placement of the tube into the lungs can lead to aspiration and respiratory complications. Securing the NG tube with additional tape, irrigating the tube with sterile water or listening to bowel sounds may be important before and after feeding, but not the priority action before starting the feed.

The Nurse Is Ready to Begin a Tube Feeding Via