Inserting NG tube

Before inserting the nasogastric tube

1. Ask the name and date of birth of the patient
2. Compare them with the name and date of birth written on the patient’s hand marker
3. Ensure the patients privacy
4. Explain the patient the whole procedure
5. Assemble necessary equipment and check the date of expiration
6. Wash hands with soap
7. Wash hands with antiseptic
8. Wear non sterile gloves

Inserting NG tube STEP BY STEP

1. Wear NON sterile gloves
2. Put a sheet on the patient in case he vomits
3. Assess which nostril is the most proper for NG tube insertion
4. Take the nasogastric tube
5. Measure the necessary length that must be inserted (use the tip of the tube and measure the length from the nose to the ear and from there to the stomach and mark the distance)
6. Lubricate the tip of the tube
7. Insert the tube gently up to the point of the marking
8. Secure the tube with a tape
9. Take a syringe and connect it to the tube and pump some air and listen with a stethoscope
10. Then aspirate little gastric fluids and measure the pH
11. If the pH is lower than 4 then the fluid it is gastric fluid and that the tube is indeed inside the stomach
12. Connect the tube with the connection of nutritional fluid
13. Compress the tip up to the point it is half filled with fluid
14. Open and adjust the rate of feeding