Nasogastric Tubes Quiz Questions And Answers

The correct answer is “True”.The purpose of an NG tube is to serve multiple functions, including feeding patients who are unable to eat or swallow, preventing nausea and vomiting after surgery, relieving gastric distention, removing stomach contents, and performing gastric lavage.

Intermittent feedings involve delivering a large amount of formula into the stomach at once, which can cause distention and increase the risk of aspiration. Therefore, it is not recommended for regular use. However, in long-term situations where other feeding methods are not feasible, it may be used with close monitoring for any signs of distention or aspiration. Therefore, the statement that intermittent feedings are not recommended but may be used in long-term situations is true.

Enteral feedings, which involve providing nutrition through a tube directly into the gastrointestinal tract, can be administered either intermittently or continuously. Intermittent feedings involve giving a set amount of formula at regular intervals throughout the day, while continuous feedings involve a slow and steady infusion of formula over a longer period of time. Both methods have their advantages and are used depending on the patient's specific needs and medical condition.

The gag reflex can be checked by placing a tongue depressor in the back of the throat. This reflex is a protective mechanism that helps prevent choking by triggering a contraction of the muscles in the throat. By stimulating the back of the throat with a tongue depressor, one can elicit the gag reflex and assess its presence and strength. Therefore, the statement "True" is correct.

A straw would be the most appropriate choice to hand to a patient who is awake and alert. Straws allow for easy and controlled sipping, making it convenient for the patient to drink water without the need for excessive movement or effort. Forks, spoons, and whisks are not suitable for drinking water and would be unnecessary in this scenario.

Retching and coughing are signs indicative of a positive gag reflex. The gag reflex is a protective mechanism of the body that helps prevent choking. When the back of the throat is stimulated, such as by touching the soft palate or the back of the tongue, it triggers a reflex that causes the muscles in the throat to contract, leading to retching and coughing. This reflex is important for clearing the airway and preventing foreign objects from entering the respiratory system. Twitching, sneezing, and watering eyes are not specifically related to the gag reflex.

NG tubes are not recommended for clients without intact gag and cough reflexes because there is an increased risk of placing the tube into the lungs. Without the ability to cough, the client may not be able to protect their airway and prevent the tube from entering the respiratory tract. This can lead to serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, it is important to ensure that clients have intact gag and cough reflexes before inserting an NG tube to minimize the risk of lung placement.

Cyclic feedings refer to a feeding schedule that allows patients to eat regular meals during the day, rather than receiving continuous feeding through a tube or IV. This approach promotes a more natural eating pattern and helps patients maintain their oral intake. It can be beneficial for individuals who are able to eat but may require additional nutritional support. Therefore, the statement "Cyclic feedings allow patients to attempt to eat regular meals during the day" is true.

When inserting an NG tube, if gagging continues after you have stopped and the patient has taken deep breaths and drank a few sips of water, using a tongue blade to check the tube position in the back of the throat can help. The tongue blade can be gently placed on the back of the tongue to suppress the gag reflex and provide a clearer view of the throat, allowing for a more accurate assessment of the tube's position.

The Lunar tube is not a type of NG tube. The Levin tube and Salem sump tube are both commonly used types of NG tubes. However, the Lunar tube is not a recognized or commonly used type of NG tube in medical practice.

Enteral feedings can be administered through both open and closed systems. Open systems involve the use of gravity or a syringe to deliver the feeding solution directly into the client's stomach or small intestine. Closed systems, on the other hand, use a feeding pump and a pre-filled, sterile feeding container to deliver the feeding solution. Both open and closed systems have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of system depends on the patient's specific needs and condition.

NG tubes are suitable for those patients who can effectively empty their stomachs and only need temporary feeding support. This method allows for easier administration and monitoring of feedings and can be adjusted or removed as needed. 

Open systems use an open top container for administration, which allows for easy access and visibility of the contents. The use of a syringe is also mentioned, which suggests that the container needs to be open at the top to allow for the insertion of the syringe. This combination of an open top container and a syringe is commonly used in medical settings for administering fluids or medications.

To properly insert the tube into the nostril, it is necessary to hyperextend the patient's neck. Hyperextension involves tilting the head back, which helps to align the nasal passage with the tube. By hyperextending the neck, the tube can be advanced slowly and aimed downward towards the ear, ensuring a smoother and more accurate insertion process.

Bolus intermittent feedings are those that we use a syringe to deliver the formula into the stomach. This means that a large amount of formula is given all at once, rather than in smaller, more frequent amounts.

Salem sump is a type of nasogastric tube that has two lumens, one for suctioning and one for irrigation. On the other hand, Levin tube is a single lumen nasogastric tube used for drainage or feeding.

Each feeding should last at least 30 minutes to ensure that the enteral formula is properly administered. This duration allows for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. A shorter feeding time may not provide enough time for the formula to be fully absorbed, while a longer feeding time may increase the risk of complications such as aspiration or discomfort for the patient. Therefore, a minimum of 30 minutes is recommended for intermittent feedings.

Continuous feedings are administered over a 24-hour period because continuous feedings are given continuously throughout the day and night, without any breaks. This means that the feeding is administered over a full 24-hour period, ensuring that the patient receives a consistent and constant supply of nutrients.

The correct answer is high Fowler. When inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube, the client should be placed in a high Fowler position. This position allows for easier insertion and passage of the tube into the stomach. It involves elevating the head of the bed to a 90-degree angle, with the patient sitting upright, helping to prevent aspiration and allowing gravity to assist in the passage of the tube.

Clean gloves are used when inserting an NG tube because the procedure does not require a sterile environment. Clean gloves are sufficient to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of infection while handling the equipment and the patient. However, sterile gloves are typically used for procedures that involve direct contact with sterile body cavities or tissues, such as surgeries or invasive procedures.

The Salem sump tube is designed with two lumens - one for suctioning gastric contents and the other for inflow of atmospheric air. When the gastric tube adheres to the wall of the stomach, it can create a vacuum effect, which can be prevented by the smaller lumen of the Salem sump tube. This smaller lumen allows for the inflow of atmospheric air, thus preventing a vacuum from occurring.

In an open system, the bag and tubing are exposed to the environment, making them more susceptible to contamination. To maintain the integrity and safety of the system, it is recommended to replace the bag and tubing every 24 hours. This ensures that the medication or fluid being administered remains sterile and free from any potential contaminants.

An infusion (Kangaroo) pump is used for continuous enteral feeding. This type of feeding involves a steady and continuous flow of nutrients into the body over a prolonged period of time. The pump ensures accurate and controlled delivery of the feed, allowing for a constant supply of nutrients to the patient. This method is commonly used for individuals who are unable to consume food orally or require a constant and steady supply of nutrients.

The correct answer is palpate tube placement. Palpating tube placement is not a method used to verify NG tube placement at the bedside. The other options mentioned are commonly used methods. Aspirating stomach contents and measuring pH helps confirm if the tube is in the stomach. Injecting air into the NG tube and auscultating or asking the client to speak helps determine if the tube is in the correct position. Putting the end of the tube into water and looking for bubbling air helps verify if the tube is in the respiratory tract.

Cyclic feedings are continuous feedings that are administered in less than 24 hours. This means that the feeding is given continuously without any breaks or interruptions. It is different from intermittent feedings, which are given at specific intervals with breaks in between. Continuous feedings are often used in medical settings to provide a steady and constant supply of nutrients to patients who are unable to eat or digest food normally.

The correct answer is 2-4. When inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube, it is important to lubricate about 2-4 inches of the tube with a water-soluble lubricant. This lubrication helps to ease the insertion process and reduce discomfort for the patient. It also helps to prevent any damage or irritation to the nasal passages and throat.

In many healthcare settings, this task is not delegated to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) due to the potential risks and complications associated with NG tube insertion. Registered nurses or other licensed healthcare professionals are often responsible for performing this procedure to ensure patient safety and compliance with healthcare regulations.

The correct answer is 8-12. This range ensures that the formula remains fresh and safe for consumption. Pouring more than 8-12 hours of formula at one time increases the risk of bacterial growth and contamination. It is important to follow proper feeding guidelines to ensure the health and well-being of the individual consuming the formula.

If a smaller bore gastric tube is in place or gravity flow is insufficient to instill a feeding, continuous feeding should be used. Continuous feeding involves a slow and steady infusion of the feeding solution over an extended period of time, typically 24 hours. This ensures a consistent and continuous supply of nutrients to the patient.

The correct answer is 48. In a closed system, a prefilled container is spiked with enteral tubing and attached to an enteral access device. If sterile technique is used, the prefilled container can hang safely for 48 hours.