The nurse is preparing to insert a nasogastric tube in a patient who is semiconscious. To determine the length of the tube needed to be inserted, how should the nurse measure the tube?
a. From the tip of the nose to the earlobe
b. From the tip of the earlobe to the xiphoid process
c. From the tip of the earlobe to the nose to the xiphoid process
d. From the tip of the nose to the earlobe to the xiphoid process
ANS: D
Measure distance from the tip of the nose to the earlobe to the xiphoid process of the sternum. This approximates the distance from the nose to the stomach in 98% of patients. For duodenal or jejunal placement, an additional 20 to 30 cm is required.
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