Which is the most reliable method that indicates the end of a nasogastric tube is correctly placed?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pH of fluid aspirated from the stomach should be 5 or lower. This is the most reliable method for indicating that a nasogastric tube is properly placed. Intact swallowing, coughing, and gagging reflexes should not be used in the determination of nasogastric tube placement. Fluid aspirated from the stomach can have a grassy green, brown, or clear, mucoid-flecked appearance, but this is not the most reliable way to determine correct placement. A whooshing or gurgling sound can be heard as air injected into the tube enters the stomach, but this is not the most reliable method for determining tube placement.

Which Is the Most Reliable Method That Indicates the End