The patient is alert and cooperative for insertion of a nasogastric (NG) tube. In which position should the nurse place the patient for the procedure?

Question

a. Sitting upright but leaning back slightly
b. In left lateral Sims' position with the head elevated
c. Leaning forward on the overbed table
d. Any position that is comfortable

Answer 1

A
The nurse instructs the patient to sit upright and lean back slightly to facilitate passage of the NG tube because, if the patient starts to cough and gag during the insertion, he or she will be in the optimum position already. The nurse avoids instructing the patient to assume reclining and left lateral positions because they increase the risk of patient aspiration during the procedure. The nurse instructs the patient to assume the proper position for the procedure because he or she is responsible for the outcome and for facilitating passage of the tube.