U.P.U.M.
S
FACULTY OF NURSING
SAIFAI ,ETAWAH,(U.P.),206130
REPORT
DEMONSTRATION ON NG TUBE INSERTION
Date:January 7, 2025
Venue: Faculty of Nursing, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical
Sciences, Saifai, Etawah
Performers:Vivek Yadav And Sazia
Under Guidance:Mr..Sembian (HOD, Faculty of Nursing)
* Introduction:
The nasogastric (NG) tube is an essential medical device used to access
the stomach for various purposes, such as feeding, draining fluids, and
administering medications. It is a vital procedure in clinical settings,
requiring healthcare professionals to understand its indications,
contraindications, proper insertion techniques, and uses. Vivek and
Sazia Jan recently conducted a detailed demonstration on NG tube
insertion, which included a discussion on its indications,
contraindications, the procedure for safe insertion, and its practical
applications in patient care.
*Indications for NG Tube Insertion:
NG tubes are typically inserted when a patient’s ability to consume food,
liquids, or medications orally is impaired. Some common indications
include:
1. Enteral Nutrition: For patients who cannot eat normally, such as
those with neurological disorders, cancer affecting the digestive tract, or
severe malnutrition.
2. Gastric Decompression: NG tubes can be used to drain excess
stomach contents in cases of bowel obstruction, postoperative recovery,
gastric distension, or acute pancreatitis.
3. Medication Administration: For patients unable to swallow oral
medications due to unconsciousness or sedation, medications can be
delivered via the NG tube.
4. Diagnostic Sample Collection: NG tubes are also used to collect
gastric contents for diagnostic purposes, helping to identify infections,
bleeding, or abnormal pH levels in the stomach.
5. Removal of Toxic Substances: In cases of poisoning or overdose,
NG tubes can help evacuate harmful substances from the stomach
before they are absorbed into the bloodstream.
*Contraindications for NG Tube Insertion:
Despite its many uses, NG tube insertion is not appropriate in every
case. The procedure may be contraindicated in the following situations:
1. Facial or Skull Base Fractures: Trauma to the face or skull can lead
to complications, including brain injury if the tube is inserted incorrectly.
2. Esophageal or Gastric Surgery: Inserting an NG tube in patients
who have undergone recent esophageal or gastric surgery may risk
damaging surgical sites or creating leaks.
3. Severe Coagulopathy: Patients with bleeding disorders or those on
blood thinners are at increased risk of bleeding during the procedure.
4. Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: NG tubes may exacerbate
bleeding in patients with a history of GI bleeding, such as from peptic
ulcers.
5. Esophageal Varices: In patients with liver disease, inserting an NG
tube can rupture esophageal varices and cause significant bleeding.
6. Severe Nasal Obstruction: Conditions like severe nasal congestion
or tumors may make it difficult or impossible to insert the NG tube.
7. Severe Dysphagia with Aspiration Risk: In some patients, the
insertion of an NG tube may increase the risk of aspiration into the lungs,
necessitating alternative feeding methods like gastrostomy tubes.
*NG Tube Insertion Procedure:
1. Preparation: This includes assessing the patient’s condition,
obtaining informed consent, and gathering necessary equipment such as
the NG tube, lubricating jelly, syringe, and stethoscope. The patient is
positioned comfortably with their head slightly forward to minimize
aspiration risk.
2. Measurement of Tube Length: The appropriate length of the NG
tube is measured from the tip of the nose to the xiphoid process to
ensure it reaches the stomach.
3. Lubrication: The tip of the NG tube is lubricated to ease insertion and
reduce discomfort.
4. Insertion: The tube is gently inserted into the patient’s nostril and
advanced toward the back of the throat, with the patient encouraged to
swallow if possible to guide the tube into the esophagus.
5. Verifying Placement: After insertion, the correct placement is
confirmed by aspirating stomach contents, performing air insufflation, or
testing the pH of aspirated contents.
6. Securing the Tube: Once confirmed, the tube is taped securely to the
patient’s face to prevent displacement, and regular checks for blockages
or kinks are necessary.
7. Post-Insertion Care: Continuous monitoring of the patient is essential
to detect any discomfort, respiratory issues, or complications related to
tube placement.
*Uses of the NG Tube:
The NG tube serves several important functions in patient care,
including:
1. Nutritional Support: Providing enteral nutrition for patients unable to
eat orally.
2. Stomach Decompression: Relieving gastric distension and bloating.
3. Medication Administration: Ensuring patients receive essential
medications when they cannot swallow them orally.
4. Gastric Lavage: Removing toxins from the stomach in cases of
poisoning.
5. Sample Collection: Gathering gastric fluids for diagnostic analysis.
*Conclusion:
Demonstration on NG tube insertion highlighted its essential role in
clinical practice. Understanding the indications, contraindications,
procedural steps, and various uses of NG tubes is crucial for healthcare
professionals. By following a systematic approach to insertion and
ensuring proper care, healthcare providers can use NG tubes safely and
effectively to manage various medical conditions and improve patient
outcomes.
