NGT Insertion

What would the nurse do if he or she encountered resistance when inserting a nasogastric tube?

• A) Ask the patient to cough.

• B) Withdraw the tube to the nasopharynx.

• C) Encourage the patient to swallow.

• D) Instruct the patient to hyperextend the neck.

A nurse is preparing to place a patient's ordered nasogastric tube. How should the nurse best determine the correct length of the nasogastric tube?

• A) Place distal tip to nose, then ear tip and end of xiphoid process.

• B) Instruct the patient to lie prone and measure tip of nose to umbilical area.

• C) Insert the tube into the patient's nose until secretions can be aspirated.

• D) Obtain an order from the physician for the length of tube to insert.

What might the nurse do to reduce the patient's discomfort before inserting a nasogastric tube?A) Examine the patients naris for patency and skin breakdown

• A) Examine the patients naris for patency and skin breakdown

• B) Place the patient in the high-Fowler's position

• C) Anesthetize the throat

• D) Have the patient take a few sips of water