Anaesthesia | General ICU Care | Nasogastric Insertion

Nasogastric Insertion
Session Overview
Description
This session describes the technique of insertion of nasogastric tubes (NGTs).

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Identify the indications for placement of NGTs in adult patients in critical care
• List the different uses of NGTs in the UK
• Explain NPSA guidelines and Never Events
• Identify the anatomy as relevant to practice of NGT insertion
• Explain the correct techniques of NGT insertion in awake and sedated adults
• Identify a correctly-placed NGT tip

Nasogastric intubation is the process of inserting a plastic tube through the nose, past the larynx, down the oesophagus and into the stomach.

There are many reasons why an NGT (Fig 1) may be indicated for your patient in the critical care setting.

Many NGTs are inserted and used every day, however, they are not without risk. There is a small chance that they may be misplaced on attempted insertion, or become misplaced during use.

If misplacement is not identified, then your patient may come to serious harm.