Question

When assessing a patient who has a new G tube, how does the nurse determine whether the G tube has migrated? 1) Observe the numeric markings on the tube at the exit site. 2) Ask the patient whether he or she has felt the tube moving. 3) Verify that the sutures are still intact and in place. 4) Confirm that the dressing around the tube is dry and intact.

Answer 1

To determine if a G tube has migrated, a nurse can observe the numeric markings on the tube at the exit site and verify that the sutures are intact.

When assessing a patient with a new G tube, the nurse can determine if the G tube has migrated by observing the numeric markings on the tube at the exit site. These markings indicate the length of the tube that should be visible at the exit site. If the tube has moved or migrated, the numeric marking may not align with the expected length. Additionally, the nurse can verify that the sutures securing the tube are intact and in place. If the sutures are loose or missing, it could indicate that the tube has migrated.

Learn more about G tube migration