Figure 4-4. Advancing NG tube.
(10)
Check the placement of the tube.
(a) When the target point on the tube has reached the nose, the
tube should be in the stomach.
(b)
Verify placement by one of the following methods:
1 The return of gastric juices is an obvious sign. Use the
irrigating syringe to pull back using gentle suction and aspirate the stomach contents. If
none are obtained, turn the patient onto his left side, insert the tube another one or two
inches, and try again.
2 Inject 10 to 20 ml of air into the tube with the irrigating
syringe and listen with the stethoscope placed to the left of the xiphoid. The air will
make a swishing sound as it enters the stomach. The patient may belch if the tube is in
the esophagus.
(c) If the patient has dyspnea, coughing, or cyanosis or is unable
to talk or hum, the tube is in the trachea and must be immediately removed and
reinserted.
(11) Tape the tube securely to the face, avoiding pressure caused by the
tube against the nasal tissues (see Figure 4-5).
MD0915
4-13