Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

Which precautions are important for inserting a nasogastric tube?

1. Evaluating gastric content

2. Evaluating the position of the tube

3. Elevate the patient

4. All 3 are correct

The correct answer is: All 3 are correct

Inserting a nasogastric tube requires several critical precautions to ensure that the procedure is safe and effective. Each of the specified precautions plays an important role in the process. Evaluating gastric content is vital for confirming that the tube has been inserted into the stomach rather than the lungs or another unintended location. This step helps assess whether the patient is able to tolerate gastric decompression or feeding, and it also informs care decisions concerning medications or nutritional support. Evaluating the position of the tube after insertion is equally essential. This can be accomplished through various methods, such as auscultation of gastric sounds, checking pH of aspirated gastric contents, or using imaging techniques. Confirming the correct placement of the tube helps prevent complications like aspiration pneumonia, which can occur if the tube is misaligned. Elevating the patient during the insertion of the nasogastric tube not only fosters patient comfort but also facilitates a smoother insertion. An elevated position can enhance anatomical alignment of the gastrointestinal tract, making it easier to place the tube without causing harm or discomfort. Incorporating all three precautions—evaluating gastric content, confirming tube position, and elevating the patient—ensures a comprehensive approach to safely inserting the nasogastric tube as it addresses potential