NG

Begin with safety. Introduce. Two identifiers. Hand hygiene. Explain. Privacy. Assess first. Check nasal passages. Check gag reflex. Assess mental status. Select correct tube size. Position in high Fowler’s. Apply drape. Provide emesis basin and water with straw. Don clean gloves. Measure NEX: nose to earlobe to xiphoid. Mark the tube. Lubricate the tip. Insert into most patent nostril following natural curve. If resistance, stop and try the other nostril. When reaching oropharynx, instruct patient to swallow water. Advance with each swallow. Monitor for distress. Check tube in back of throat. Secure to nose. Attach valves properly. For Salem sump, attach air vent valve to blue port. Verify placement. Aspirate gastric contents. Check pH — five or less. State that x-ray confirmation is required. If ordered, connect to low intermittent suction. Remove gloves. Hand hygiene. Document: date, time, size, depth, verification method, tolerance. Measure. Lubricate. Advance. Verify. Document.