Assisting in

Nasogastric Tube
Insertion (NGT)
1. Introduce yourself & Verify the
clients identity. Explain to the
client what you are going to do,
why it is necessary, & how the
client can cooperate.
2. Assist the client to a high fowler’s
position, if health condition permits, &
support head on a pillow. Place a towel or
disposable pad across clients chest.

3. Provide Privacy.

4. Perform hand hygiene, & Observe

other appropriate infection control
procedures.
5. Assess the clients nares.
> Examine the nares for any
obstructions or deformities by asking
the client to breathe through one
nostril while occluding the other.
> Select the nostril that has the greater
airflow.
6. Prepare the tube.
> If a small bore tube is
being used, Ensure the stylet
or guide wire is secured in
position.
7. Determine how far to insert the tube.
> Use the tube to mark the distance
from the tip of the client’s nose to the
tip of the earlobe & then from the tip
of the earlobe to the tip of the xiphoid.
> Mark the length with adhesive tape,
if the tube does not have markings.
8. Insert the tube.
> Put on gloves.
> Lubricate the tip of the tube well with water-
soluble lubricant or water, to ease insertion.
Insert the tube, with its natural curve toward
the client, into the selected nostril.
> Ask the client to hyperextend the neck, and
gently advance the tube toward the
nasopharynx
> Direct the tube along the floor
of the nostril and toward the ear
on that side.
> Slight pressure is sometimes
required to pass the tube into the
nasopharynx, and some clients’
eyes may water at this point.
Provide the client with tissues, as
> If the tube meets resistance,
withdraw it, relubricate it, and
insert it in the other nostril.
> Once the tube reaches the
oropharynx (throat), the client will
feel the tube in the throat and may
gag and retch.
> Ask the client to tilt head forward,
and encourage the client to drink and
swallow. If the client gags, stop
passing the tube momentarily.
> Have the client rest, take a few
breaths, and take sips of water to
calm the gag reflex.
9. Ascertain correct placement of the
tube.
> Aspirate stomach contents, and
check the ph.
> X-ray as per agency policy. If a
small-bore tube is used, leave the
stylet or guide wire in place until the
correct position is verified by x-ray
> Place a stethoscope over the client’s
epigastrium, and inject 10-30 ml of
air into the tube while listening for a
whooshing sound.
> If the sounds do not indicate
placement in the stomach, advance
the tube 5cm (2 inches), and repeat
the tests
10. Secure the tube by taping it to the
bridge of the client’s nose.
> If the client has oily skin, wipe the
nose first with alcohol.
> Cut 7.5 cm (3 inches) of tape, and
split it lengthwise at one end, leaving
a 2.5 cm (1 inch) tab at the end.
> Place the tape over the bridge
of the client’s nose, and bring
the split ends either under and
around the tubing or under the
tubing and back up over the
nose.
11. Attach the tube to a
suction source or feeding
apparatus, as ordered, or
clamp the end of the
tubing
12. Secure the tube to the client’s
gown.
> Loop an elastic band around the
end of the tubing, and attach the
elastic band to the gown with a
safety pin; or
> Attach a piece of adhesive tape to
the tube, and pin the tape to the
13. Document relevant
information.
> Document the insertion of the
tube, the means by which
correct placement was
determined, and client
responses
 THAT’S ALL!!
THANKYOU!! 