Overview
Introduction
A nasogastric (NG) tube provides access to the stomach through the nose for decompression, enteral nutrition, hydration, or medication administration.
A nasogastric (NG) tube provides access to the stomach through the nose for decompression, enteral nutrition, hydration, or medication administration. The same route that makes treatment possible can also deliver material into the tracheobronchial tree if the tube is misplaced or later migrates. Before first use, confirm gastric location with radiographic imaging or gastric aspirate pH ≤5.5 according to facility policy. If an aspirate is >5.5 in a patient receiving a proton-pump inhibitor or H₂ blocker, radiographic confirmation is required before use. During later care, compare the external tube length with its documented position and reassess whenever feeding, medication, suction, or patient movement could expose displacement.