An appropriate technique for nasogastric (NG)tube insertion is for the nurse to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

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

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