A 70-year-old homeless woman is admitted with pneumonia. She is weak, emaciated, and febrile. The physician orders enteral feedings intermittently by nasogastric tube.

A 70-year-old homeless woman is admitted with pneumonia. She is weak, emaciated, and febrile. The physician orders enteral feedings intermittently by nasogastric tube.

When inserting the nasogastric tube, once the tube passes through the oropharynx, the nurse will instruct the client to:
A . Tilt her head backwards
B . Swallow as tube passes
C . Hold breath as tube passes
D . Cough as tube passes

View Answer

Answer: B

Explanation:

(A) Head should be tilted slightly forward to facilitate insertion.

(B) Swallowing assists with insertion of tube and closes off airway.

(C) Client should be swallowing as tube passes; holding the breath facilitates nothing.

(D) Coughing may expel tube.