Question

In the care of preterm infants, why are nasogastric and orogastric tubes used?

a) To administer vaccines
b) To measure abdominal girth
c) To provide nutrition
d) To assess respiratory rate

Answer 1

Nasogastric and orogastric tubes are used in the care of preterm infants to provide nutrition, measure abdominal girth, and assess respiratory rate.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nasogastric and orogastric tubes are used in the care of preterm infants for multiple purposes. One important reason is to provide nutrition to the infants. Premature babies may not be able to take in enough food orally, so these tubes allow for the delivery of nutrients directly into their stomach or intestine. Additionally, these tubes can be used to measure abdominal girth, which helps track the growth and development of the infant. Finally, nasogastric and orogastric tubes can also be used to assess and monitor respiratory rate by measuring the flow of air from the nose or mouth into the stomach.