Final answer:
A nurse should check the placement of a nasogastric tube before each feeding and at regular intervals following the healthcare facility's guidelines to ensure the tube's proper position in the stomach and prevent complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
An unconscious toddler requiring intermittent nasogastric feedings must have the placement of the nasogastric tube checked by a nurse to ensure proper function and safety. The nurse should confirm tube placement before each feeding and at regular intervals as per the healthcare facility's protocols. This typically involves aspirating stomach contents and checking the pH to ensure the tube is positioned in the stomach and not in the respiratory tract. It is crucial to prevent improper feeding and potential complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Additionally, the nurse may also use other methods such as confirming tube markings, listening for air placed in the stomach, or x-ray confirmation if necessary. Regular monitoring is vital to accommodate changes such as movement or displacement of the tube, which can occur easily in a pediatric patient.