NG tube

Question 1

Why do we use NG tubes?

Answer 1

Deliver nutrients to patients
Remove gastric contents by gravity or suction
Lavage (irrigation of stomach)

Question 2

What does NG tubes do?

Answer 2

Decompress GI tract

Internal application of pressure by means of an inflated balloon to prevent internal esophageal of GI hemorrhage

Question 3

Lumen for NG tubes?

Answer 3

Hollow lumen that allows removal of gastric secretions and introduction of solutions into stomach

Levin: single lumen tube with holes near the tip

Salem sump: double lumen, one for liquid and one for air

Question 4

Is NG insertion in Lpn scope?

Answer 4

No insertion in RN scope and removal is Lpn scope

Question 5

Why do we use NG suction?

Answer 5

Prevent vomiting/aspiration
Remove fluids/gas
Decrease strain on internal sutures
Increase ventilation

Question 6

When do you use NG suction?

Answer 6

Post op abdominal surgery

And length of time depends bowel sounds

Question 7

When do we use NG lavage?

Answer 7

Irrigation of stomach in cases of active bleeding, poisoning or gastric dilation

Question 8

Role of Lpn in NG tube management?

Answer 8

Ensure right positioning
Correct setting 
-intermittent/continuous 
Monitor output 
Mouth and nostril care 
HOB 30 degrees 
Empty every shift 
Charting 
Pt teaching

Question 9

NG feeds?

Answer 9

Enteral nutrition
-the administration of nutrients directly into GI tract

Goal: restore nutritional status

Question 10

When can you use an NG tube?

Answer 10

Not until placement is confirmed
•x-Ray (verified by physician)
•aspiration of gastric contents and test pH

Question 11

How to confirm placement of NG tube?

Answer 11

Check external markings on the tube and colour of the pH of the fluid aspirated from the tube

Do not instill air

Patient resp effort is unchallenged, patient is not gagging

Question 12

How much fluid do you aspirate to check pH?

Answer 12

5-10 mL

Gastric pH is between 1-4

Intestinal pH is 6

Question 13

When do we remove NG tubes?

Answer 13

When no longer required
-bowel sounds
-absence of N/V
Verify physician order

Question 14

What to document about removal?

Answer 14

All relevant information

• record removal
• amount and appearance of any drainage
• relevant assessments
• pt response
• pt teaching

Question 15

What is an NG tube?

Answer 15

Flexible plastic tube through the nares, down the pharynx and into the stomach or upper portion of small intestine

Question 16

Patient needs to take her BP meds but is on an NG tube with suction. What do you do?

Answer 16

Turn off suction for 30min and give meds with water

Question 17

There is bright red return in the NG tube. What might me happening?

Answer 17

Suction may be to high and there might be possible ulcer formation

Turn down suction and alert RN

Question 18

Scope around NG tubes?

Answer 18

Removal and maintenance of NG tube