GastroIntestinal Tract Week
12th of April. 2011
Rita Matos

Definition
žInsertion of a tube through the nose, down the back of the throat, through the esophagus and into
the stomach.
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žMax. time: 4 to 6 weeks
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s6Hl_tOewm8/SnPBkENacjI/AAAAAAAABDE/BoZldY84_E0/s400/NasogastricTube.jpg

Indications:
žAspiration of gastric contents (fluid, air, blood) Decompress the stomach
žAcess to the Stomach to introduce fluids (lavage fluid, tube feedings, activated charcoal into the
stomach)
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žObtain a specimen of the gastric contents
žAnalysis of substances    Clinical diagnose
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žIn trauma
ž aid in the prevention of vomiting and aspiration, as well as for assessment of GI bleeding
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Contraindications:
žPatients with sustained head trauma, maxillofacial injury, or anterior fossa skull fracture.
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žPatients with a history of esophageal stricture, esophageal varices
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žPatients in coma have the potential of vomiting during a NG insertion procedure, thus require
protection of the airway prior to placing a NG tube.
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Process:
žMeasure the length of tube:
žFrom the tip of the nose,
žto the ear lobe and
žuntil xiphoid process.
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žhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwjKravpygQ
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http://nursing.flinders.edu.au/students/studyaids/clinicalcommunication/images/nasogastric_tube.jpg

Care
žWork hygienically and Aseptically
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žChange Hypo-allergenic tape daily
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žTake care of nose and mouth
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žCheck tube position prior to feeding and at leats 3x per day.

žThanks for your attention
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žRita Matos