checking NG tube placement

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What is the standard in your unit for routine checks of NG tube placement? Checking characteristics of aspirate? PH? Insufflation and auscultation?

We insufflate just to have an idea, and then x-ray. Incidentally I have heard a wet gurgle on auscultation, only to have it in the bronchus apparently! So insufflation really isn't totally accurate, just mostly accurate.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I know I check placement with my initial assessment, but I'm not sure what others do. Two students had my patient the other day, and I let them do their assessment. When they came out, I asked them what the residual was in the NG. They looked at me dumbfounded. I went on to explain all that could happen if you don't check, I hope they listened.

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