10 Facts About Nasogastric tube

Nasogastric tube is known as Ryle's tube in Commonwealth countries, after John Alfred Ryle.

Nasogastric tube is used for feeding and administering drugs and other oral agents such as activated charcoal.

Nasogastric tube aspiration is mainly used to remove gastrointestinal secretions and swallowed air in patients with gastrointestinal obstructions.

The Nasogastric tube is then marked at this level to ensure that the Nasogastric tube has been inserted far enough into the patient's stomach.

The end of a plastic Nasogastric tube is lubricated and inserted into one of the patient's anterior nares.

The Nasogastric tube should be directed straight towards the back of the patient as it moves through the nasal cavity and down into the throat.

Once the Nasogastric tube is past the pharynx and enters the esophagus, it is easily inserted down into the stomach.

Great care must be taken to ensure that the Nasogastric tube has not passed through the larynx into the trachea and down into the bronchi.

Function of an NG Nasogastric tube properly placed and used for suction is maintained by flushing.

Sometimes more significant complications occur including erosion of the nose where the Nasogastric tube is anchored, esophageal perforation, damage to a surgical anastomosis, pulmonary aspiration, a collapsed lung, or intracranial placement of the Nasogastric tube.