nasogastrisk

Nasogastric tube, often abbreviated NG tube, is a flexible tube inserted through the nostril, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. It is used to deliver nutrition and medications, remove gastric contents, or obtain samples for analysis. The term nasogastrisk may appear as a misspelling or variant; the standard term is nasogastric tube.

Indications include inability to take food orally due to sedation, swallowing disorders, or gastrointestinal surgery; short-term enteral feeding when oral intake is not possible; gastric decompression in bowel obstruction or after surgery; suction of gastric contents; and administration of certain medications or substances when the oral route is not suitable.

Contraindications and precautions include basal skull fracture or severe nasal trauma; esophageal strictures or varices; coagulopathy; high risk of aspiration; nasal obstruction or facial deformity that prevents placement. In such cases, alternative routes should be considered.

Placement and verification: placement is typically performed by trained staff. A common estimation method measures from the tip of the nose to the earlobe and then to the xiphoid process to gauge insertion length. The tube is lubricated and advanced with the patient swallowing to help passage into the stomach. Placement is verified by aspirating gastric contents and testing pH; radiographic confirmation is considered most reliable. The tube is secured with tape or a鼻 clip and connected to the intended device (feeding pump, suction, or drainage).

Care and maintenance: keep the head of bed elevated, flush the tube with water to prevent blockage, and monitor for residuals if feeding is used. Regularly inspect for discomfort, nasal skin irritation, or leakage, and replace or reposition as needed.

Risks and complications include nasal or esophageal trauma, sinusitis, epistaxis, misplacement into the airway with potential aspiration, tube occlusion, and gastric mucosal injury. Types range from large-bore tubes for rapid drainage or feeding to small-bore tubes for medication administration or post-pyloric feeding.