Indications for Naso-Gastric Tube Insertion

Insertion of a naso-gastric (NG) tube is indicated in the following situations:

1. Unconscious patients – Unable to swallow.

2. Post-operative patients – Especially after surgery involving the mouth, pharynx, or larynx.

3. Oesophageal obstruction/stricture – Due to inflammation or tumours.

4. Severe dysphagia – Patients with extreme difficulty in swallowing.

5. Neonates/infants – Who are too weak to suck or feed orally.

6. Severely burned patients – Due to increased metabolic needs and/or inability to feed orally.

7. Mentally ill patients – Who are unable or unwilling to eat.

8. Persistent nausea and vomiting – For gastric decompression or nutritional support.

9. Gastric lavage – For cleaning or washing out the stomach.

10. Collection of gastric specimens – For diagnostic purposes.

Equipment Checklist for NG Tube Insertion

A. On the Trolley (Top Shelf)

• Sterile NG tubes (appropriate size) in a bowl

• Warm water (to soften the tube)

• Gallipot with gauze swabs

• Orange sticks or nasal speculum (for nostril inspection)

• Receiver/kidney dish with blue litmus paper (to test tube placement)

• Mackintosh cape and towel/dressing mackintosh

• 10 ml syringe (to check air or aspirate content)

• Spigot or clamp (to close the tube after insertion)

• Cup of water (to rinse patient’s mouth)

• Vomit bowl (kidney dish)

• Strapping/adhesive tape (to secure tube to the nose)

• Receiver (for used swabs and other waste)

B. At the Bedside

• 🧼 Hand hygiene supplies (sink, soap, water, towel)

• 🛑 Screens or curtains (to ensure patient privacy)

• 🩺 Stethoscope (to confirm placement)

• 📋 Patient’s chart (to verify doctor’s order and for documentation)

• 🗑️ Waste receptacle (for disposal of used materials)