The client receives a prescription for tube feedings. Which does the nurse implement while inserting a nasogastric tube for this client?

Question

1. Advances nasogastric tube while client swallows
2. Instructs the client about self-care of feeding tube
3. Eases insertion by icing down the nasogastric tube
4. Measures the length from client's nose to sternum

Answer 1

1
1. The nurse instructs the client to swallow while the tube advances because the coordinated, muscular action of the esophagus helps to direct it down through the cardiac sphincter and into the stomach.
2. The nurse can provide client teaching after the tube insertion because instruction provided before the insertion is unlikely to be retained.
3. The nurse eases insertion by briefly immersing the tube's end in warm water; this softens the end to help ease the tube through the nasal passageway.
4. The nurse measures the length of the nasogastric tube properly by measuring from the tip of the nose to the earlobe to the xiphoid process.