Nursing NUR401 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Nasogastric Intubation, Litmus, Ph Indicator
Document Summary
The intragastric position of the tube must be confirmed after its initial insertion, and this must be documented in the patient"s notes. There are two ways of confirming the tube"s position currently recommended. These are by ph test (stock et al, 2008; npsa, 2005a; 2005b) and x-ray. Other methods can be inaccurate and should not be used. ph test. The ng tube is aspirated and the contents are checked using ph paper, not litmus paper (earley, 2005). The npsa (2005b) recommended that it is safe to feed patients (infants, children and adults) if the ph is 5. 5 or below. This advice does not apply to neonates (preterm to 28 days). See the npsa"s (2005b) advice and the update (2007) for more information. Note: that taking proton pump inhibitors or h2 receptor antagonists may alter the ph. Similarly, intake of milk can neutralise the acid.
