Question

A nurse has just inserted an NG tube for a client. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to confirm correct tube placement?

Option 1: The tube aspirate has a pH of 7.

Option 2: An x-ray shows the end of the tube above the pylorus.

Option 3: Bowel sounds are present on auscultation.

Option 4: The client reports relief of nausea.

Answer 1

To confirm correct NG tube placement, an x-ray showing the end of the tube above the pylorus is needed.

Step-by-step explanation:

When confirming correct NG tube placement, the nurse should rely on an x-ray that shows the end of the tube above the pylorus. This indicates that the tube is properly positioned in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine. The other options listed do not definitively confirm correct placement of the tube. The pH of the tube aspirate can vary and may not be a reliable indicator. Bowel sounds can be present even if the tube is in the wrong location, and relief of nausea does not guarantee correct placement.