NG tube placement in infants

Specialties NICU

Published

Specializes in NICU.

The hospital where I work does not routinely use NG tubes with our infants for feedings. So, I am seaking out what is being done other NICU community's, When it comes to OG tubes -vs-NG tubes for feeding, what is policy in these different institutions? I believe that OG tube are developmentaly incorrect for our babes trying to learn to bottle feed and I really need some data to back my thought process up. Thank you every one any help you can give me. Kathy Miller

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Let me move this to the NICU forum for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The only pts we use OG tubes on are those on CPAP, so there is a good seal around the nose. I agree about the OG in PO feeding babies. It is not develpomentally appropriate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Level II & III NICU, Mother-Baby Unit.

Kathy62,

I know you are correct about the NG being more developmentally friendly than OG tubes! NGs are best for any baby who is not having issues with breathing through their nose so as not to occlude their nasal airway as all neonates are "obligate nose breathers".

I'd suggest going to the link on this page to the books recommended by members and find the one about developmental care. I would bet my life that you will find something there which will help you. Sorry I can't be more specific right this minute.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

I'd use OG tubes on infants who are on the ventilator (easy to tape to an ET tube) or those on very high flow vapotherm or CPAP. With CPAP, you need a good seal with the mask or prongs, and an NG tube wouldn't fit or wouldn't allow an appropriate seal. With very high flow vapothem, like 5L+, you wouldn't want an NG tube to occlude any of that high flow in their nares or to cause the cannula to stick out and prevent all of the flow from entering through the nare. I would suggest either using a very small NG tube (6.5F) if the infant is large (vs an 8F) or using always an OG. If on much lower flow or just nasal cannula, NG is best b/c they can suck better on a pacifier and would be able to practice with a bottle better.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment