NG tube feeding

[brenns14]

Question: A patient is receiving NG tube feeding. During assessment, bowel sound is absent, which of the three answers should be done first by the nurse? I selected answer # 2, and was thinking it could be #1 as well. What is the correct answer and rationale? Thanks in advance for your response.

1. Stop the NG tube

2. Check for placement of the tube

3. Notify the HCP

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

If something is not right (NG, IV, etc.), you stop it first, then assess. Pt safety is always your priority :)

[guest64485]

Don't forget, it is always possible that the tube was initially in the right place when the feeding was started and was later dislodged. I had this happen to a patient.

[Mavrick, BSN, RN]

Displaced end of the tube is not the only reason for absent bowel sounds.

Your post makes great sense except for this one line. I don't see how the position of the end of an NG tube could have any bearing on absence of bowel sounds.

[mrsboots87]

Your post makes great sense except for this one line. I don't see how the position of the end of an NG tube could have any bearing on absence of bowel sounds.

Great point! Whether the end of the tube is in the right place or not, there should still be bowel sounds, even if just the hunger gargles. I guess I was trying to get the OP out of thinking all about the tube placement. I forgot to even consider that tube placement doesn't really cause or stop the bowels from doing their thing.

[Mavrick, BSN, RN]

Great point! Whether the end of the tube is in the right place or not, there should still be bowel sounds, even if just the hunger gargles. I guess I was trying to get the OP out of thinking all about the tube placement. I forgot to even consider that tube placement doesn't really cause or stop the bowels from doing their thing.

And you gave a fine answer with rationale to OP! Stop inflicting harm while trying to figure it out.

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

Don't forget, it is always possible that the tube was initially in the right place when the feeding was started and was later dislodged. I had this happen to a patient.

I had a patient pull his tube partially out. Then when we confirmed placement via xray, he ripped it completely out!!! UGH! Talk about frustrating. I had to use the magnetic bridle on him to keep him from pulling out the NG.