Page 265 - 2023 SMOG Digital

NASO/OROGASTRIC TUBE

CLINICAL INDICATIONS:
• Enabling gastric decompression, decreasing risk of vomiting and aspiration, obtain sample of gastric
contents.
• Allows for gastric lavage in drug overdose or poisoning.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
• Nasogastric tubes contraindicated in the presence of massive facial trauma, burns, or suspicion of
basilar skull fracture (CSF otorrhea, Battle’s sign, raccoon eyes, mechanism). May insert orogastric
tube instead.
PROCEDURE:
• If possible, sit patient upright for optimal neck and stomach alignment.
• Measure tubing from bridge of nose to earlobe, then to the point halfway between the end of the
sternum and the navel. Mark measured tube with marker.
• Select most patent nare (or the throat) and pass lubricated tube in a posterior – NOT SUPERIOR –
direction. If resistance is met, attempt to corkscrew slightly or remove and attempt in other nare.
• Withdraw tube immediately if changes occur in patient’s respiratory status, if tube coils in mouth, if
the patient begins to cough, or becomes cyanotic.
• Advance tube until mark is reached.
• Verify tube placement by listening over stomach while air is passed or examining aspirate when
applied to suction. Secure tube. Watch vital sign for changes.
Document procedure, results, and vital signs.

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