NG tube; a tube of soft rubber or plastic that is inserted through a nostril and into the stomach for instilling liquid foods or other substances or for gastric decompression. Both medications and nutritive feedings can be given through the tube; see also tube feeding . Prior to insertion of the tube a measurement is made to assure that the distal end of the tube will be positioned in the stomach. This is done by placing the tip of the tube on the bridge of the patient's nose and then marking on the tube the point at which it touches the tip of the xiphoid process. Once the tube is inserted its position should be checked to be sure it is in the stomach and not the trachea or bronchi. This is done by aspirating for stomach contents, using a bulb syringe or 50-ml aspirating syringe. Alternatively, the syringe can be used to inject air into the tube while at the same time listening through a stethoscope for a “whooshing” sound made by the air being injected. The tube should be anchored so that it points downward away from the nares. It is not brought up over the nose and anchored by tape over the bridge of the nose. This increases irritation of the nasal mucosa, impedes circulation, and causes unnecessary discomfort. To avoid tension and drag on the tube a pin and rubber band can be used to secure the tube to the shoulder of the patient's gown or pajama top. mouth care is of particular importance while a nasogastric tube is in place.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
A tube used for feeding or suctioning stomach contents; inserted through the nose and down the esophagus into the stomach.
Synonym(s): NG tube.
A narrow, soft rubber or plastic tube that can easily be passed through the nose and down the gullet (oesophagus) into the stomach. Nasogastric tubes are used to withdraw samples of the stomach contents or to supply liquid nutrition to people too ill to swallow. Also known as a Ryle's tube.
Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005A tube used for feeding or suctioning stomach contents; inserted through the nose and down the esophagus into the stomach.
