Step-by-Step: Checking the Placement of your NG Tube
Step-by-Step: Checking the Placement of your NG TubeChecking the Placement of your NG Tube.Begin by gathering your supplies: a permanent marker, a tape measure or ruler, an Enfit syringe, pH paper,and a pH color chart.Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.When you first get home with an NG tube, mark the tube close to your nose. Check daily to ensure that thismark stays in the same place.Using a tape measure or ruler, measure the length of the tube from your nostril to the end of the port. Recordthis length.If the length is not the same as it was the day before, your tube might not be in the correct place.To check the placement of your NG tube, begin by washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20seconds.Then, uncap the feeding port.Attach the syringe to the feeding port by twisting it clockwise. Open the tubing clamp.Pull back on the plunger until you see liquid from the stomach in the syringe. The liquid should look clear orlight yellow. Close the tubing clamp.Remove the syringe from the feeding port by twisting it counterclockwise.Then, recap the feeding port.Check the pH of the liquid by adding a few drops to a strip of pH paper.Match the color of your strip with the pH color chart. The liquid’s pH should be between 1 and 5. If it is higherthan 5, your tube might not be in the right place and you should call your healthcare provider.Open the feeding port. Without the plunger, reattach the syringe to the feeding port by twisting it clockwise.Fill the syringe with the amount of water recommended by your healthcare provider.Alternatively, your provider may teach you to draw the water up in the syringe before attaching.Page 1 ofReplace the plunger into the syringe and open the tubing clamp. Push down slowly to flush the tube with thewater.Close the tubing clamp and remove the syringe from the feeding port by twisting it counterclockwise.Then, recap the feeding port.Follow your provider’s instructions for cleaning or using new equipment.Finally, wash your hands again with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.Page 2 ofThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
© The Wellness Network
