NG Tubes for Adults
Nasogastric (NG) Tube
Before the Procedure
It’s always good to have a loved one around during the tube placement for moral support. If you are a caregiver of the adult getting the tube, and you know your loved one can sometimes be a little uncooperative, you might be called on to help hold them during the placement.
During the Procedure
If it is safe for you to drink, the nurse may ask at a certain point to sip water from a straw to help the tube pass more easily into the stomach.
While the tube’s being placed, sip from a straw in a glass of water to help pass the tube down. Tubes featuring a stylet will be lubricated on the inside. The tip of the tube entering your nose will be dipped in water or lubricating jelly to make it slick. Lubricating jelly can cause a burning sensation in nasal passages.
The tube will be measured by the nurse before insertion. You’ll be asked to tilt your head slightly forward and slowly advance the tube up to the centimeter mark that was measured. At this point, if a stylet was used, it will be removed and the placement will be verified. Then you’ll secure the tube so it doesn’t move with tape or another type of securing device.
After the Procedure
The staff will teach you how to fill your feeding bags and run the pump. If a pump isn’t used, you’ll be taught how to give feedings without one, using a syringe or feeding bag.
Frequent toothbrushing and good oral hygiene are very important, so make this a priority. You’ll also want to ask if it’s OK to sip water and eat food orally if possible.
Before you leave, make sure you have all the take-home supplies you need or know the plan on where to get them. This includes good quality tape to secure the tube, syringes, and an extra NG tube. You can reuse the same tube more than once, as long as you wash it with soapy water, rinse it, and let it air dry.
Your First Day at Home
Next, you’ll be placing the tube by yourself for the first time. It’s normal to feel a little nervous; just remember that the nurses taught you everything you need to know. Take deep breaths to calm yourself and make sure your stomach is empty for the first placement.
Lubricate the inside of the tube with water, and have it and the stylet ready and in place. Review how many centimeters you’ll need to insert the tube. Change nostrils with each tube replacement. After you’ve inserted the tube, confirm the placement before using it. If it feels a little wrong or funny, don’t worry. Just remove the tube and reinsert it.
Have the feeding bag with formula set up on the pump so you can immediately feed after confirming placement. If you don’t use a pump, have the feeding set or syringe ready for use and on hand.
Your tube can stay in place for weeks, but if you’re using a continuous feed, you may need to change it if it becomes clogged.
Remember: the first day at home after any big change is going to require some adjustment. But before long, you’ll become more used to what to do and how to do it and you’ll develop a new routine that’s second nature to you.