NGT and PEG placement verification

[steelersRN]

Can you please share with me what your policy is for verification of NGT's and PEG placement. Also how long has this policy been used?

Thanks:uhoh21:

[Biffbradford]

You are talking about Keofeed tubes here, not NG tubes. All Keofeeds require an xray to confirm placement before feedings can commence.

I'm talking about any tube shoved up the nose and into the stomach, whatever brand name including Dobhof for feeding or Salem sumps for low intermittent suction (we didn't have Keofeed). All required xray verification at that hospital.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

I'm talking about any tube shoved up the nose and into the stomach, whatever brand name including Dobhof for feeding or Salem sumps for low intermittent suction (we didn't have Keofeed). All required xray verification at that hospital.

After NGT placement is verified by x-ray, do you still have protocols for confirmation of proper placement on a daily basis? Aspiration of stomach contents or ph testing?

[Biffbradford]

A thin feeding tube (or even a heavier Salem sump) can migrate back up. ALWAYS burp it to make sure you're in.

[steelydanfan]

I'm talking about any tube shoved up the nose and into the stomach, whatever brand name including Dobhof for feeding or Salem sumps for low intermittent suction (we didn't have Keofeed). All required xray verification at that hospital.

Salem sumps don't have stylets for placement. That is why I got confused. Keofeeds and Dobhoffs are the same thing, I think Dobhoff was the DR. that invented them. Keofeed is simply a brand name.

But honestly, I think that any RN worth her title ought to be able to verify that an NG is in the stomach by dint of ascultation and aspiration. It shocks me that either nurses cannot verify placement, or fail to re-establish placement before usage, that pt.s NOW have to have the added expense of an x-ray.

[Biffbradford]

A Salem sump does have a radio opaque line running along it's length though. FWIW