Ministry of Higher Education and

Scientific Research
Al-Mustaqbal University College
Department of Nursing

Nasogastric Tube
‫أعداد الطالب‬
‫احمد كريم جواد كاظم‬
‫احمد محمد حسن عبيس‬
‫احمد مشتاق فاضل‬
 Definitions

A nasogastric or NG tube : is a plastic tubing device that

allows delivery of nutritionally complete feed directly into
the stomach; or removal of stomach contents. It is passed via
the nose into the oropharynx and upper gastrointestinal tract.
nasogastric or NG tube
 Indications

• Administration of certain drugs directly into the

stomach
• obtain a specimen of the gastric contents
• treat gastric immobility, and bowel obstruction
• used for decompression of the stomach in the setting
of intestinal obstruction
• used to administer nutrition or medication to patients
who are unable to tolerate oral intake.
 Contraindications

• Coagulopathy
• Sinusitis
• Head trauma
• Esophageal surgery or stricture
• Deviated septum
 Complications

• Nasopharyngeal trauma with or without hemorrhage

• Sinusitis and sore throat
• Pulmonary aspiration
• Traumatic esophageal or gastric hemorrhage or
perforation
• Intracranial or mediastinal penetration (very rare)
 Equipment for Ng Tube Insertion
• Nasogastric tube (fine bore)
• Disposable gloves
• Lubricant and gauze: to lubricate the tip of the NG tube.
• Disposable bowl: to be used in the event of vomiting.
• Paper towels: to allow the patient to wipe around their mouth if
needed.
• Large syringe: to obtain an aspirate from the NG tube.
• pH testing strips: to assess the pH of the aspirate.
• Dressing: to secure the NG tube.
• A glass of water for the patient (if swallow is deemed safe).
• Local anaesthetic spray: to numb the oropharynx.
 Measurement of the insertion length

1. Position the patient sitting upright with their head in

a neutral position.
 Measurement of the insertion length

2. Don a pair of non-sterile gloves

 Measurement of the insertion length
3. Estimate how far the NG tube will need to be
inserted: measure from the bridge of the nose to the ear
lobe and then down to 5cm below the xiphisternum.
.
 Insertion of the NG tube
1. Lubricate the tip of the NG tube.
2. If available, a local anaesthetic should be sprayed towards the
back of the patient’s throat.
3. Warn the patient you are about to insert the NG tube.
4. Insert the NG tube through one of the patient’s nostrils.
5. Gently advance the NG tube through the nasopharynx:
6. Continue to advance the NG tube down the oesophagus: ask
the patient to take some sips of water and then swallow as this
can facilitate the advancement of the NG tube. Avoid giving
patients a drink if their swallow is deemed unsafe, due to the
risk of aspiration.
7. Once you reach the desired nasogastric tube insertion length,
fix the NG tube to the nose with a dressing.
 References
• Sofferman RA, Hubbell RN. Laryngeal complications of nasogastric tubes.
Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1981; 90: 465-8.

• Thomsen TW, Shaffer RW, Setnik G. Videos in clinical medicine. Nasogastric

intubation. N Engl J Med. 2006;354:e16.

• M Keymling Technical aspects of enteral nutrition Gut 1994; supplement 1:

S77-S80

• Ratzlaff, HARQLD C., JANE E. Heaslip, and E. S. Rothwell. 

"Factors affecting nasogastric tube insertion." Critical care medicine 12.1
(1984): 52-53.