Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

Paediatric Nursing (PAED)

INSERTION OF NASOGASTRIC TUBE

This is the insertion of a tube through the nose into the stomach for feeding, medication, or decompression.

Purpose

  • Provide enteral nutrition
  • Administer medications
  • Decompress stomach
  • Obtain gastric contents

Indications

  • Inability to swallow
  • Gastric decompression
  • Gastric lavage
  • Feeding support

Equipment

  • Appropriate size NG tube
  • Water-soluble lubricant
  • Syringe (5-10ml and 60ml)
  • Stethoscope
  • pH strips
  • Tape/fixation device
  • Gloves
  • Emesis basin

Preparation

  • Select appropriate tube size
  • Measure insertion distance
  • Lubricate tube
  • Position child

Procedure steps

  • Verify order and explain procedure
  • Perform hand hygiene and don gloves
  • Measure distance (nose-earlobe-xiphoid)
  • Mark tube at measured length
  • Lubricate tube tip
  • Position child appropriately
  • Insert tube through nostril
  • Advance gently while child swallows
  • Verify placement (pH testing preferred)
  • Secure tube in place
  • Document insertion details

Precautions

  • Verify placement before use
  • Use gentle technique
  • Stop if resistance met
  • Confirm position radiographically if uncertain

Aftercare

  • Maintain tube position
  • Provide nasal care
  • Verify placement before each use
  • Flush regularly

Nursing considerations

  • Use smallest effective size
  • Consider alternative route if difficult
  • Provide comfort measures

Patient education

  • Explain purpose of tube
  • Teach care techniques
  • Report discomfort

Documentation

  • Tube size
  • Insertion length
  • Verification method and result
  • Patient tolerance
  • Any complications

References and further reading

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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