Final answer:
To confirm correct placement of an NG tube, measuring the pH of aspirated gastric contents, with a pH below 4, is a reliable indicator that the tube is properly placed in the stomach.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse inserts an NG tube (nasogastric tube), the correct placement within the stomach is essential for safe and effective care. To confirm correct tube placement, the following methods are commonly used:
- Auscultation for bowel sounds over the stomach may not necessarily confirm correct tube placement; sounds could be transmitted from other areas.
- Clear, colorless fluid aspirated from the tube may not be indicative of location since this can also be indicative of respiratory secretions if in the lung.
- pH of aspirated gastric contents below 4 generally indicates that the tube is indeed in the stomach, as the stomach environment is highly acidic.
- While the absence of coughing or respiratory distress during tube insertion is a good sign, it does not confirm that the tube is in the correct position.
Therefore, the most reliable method among those listed is measuring the pH of aspirated gastric contents. If the pH is below 4, this suggests that the contents are indeed gastric, signifying proper placement of the NG tube in the stomach.