NGT (Nasogastric Tube)
Formal Definition
Nasogastric tube: a flexible tube passed through the nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach; used for gastric decompression (bowel obstruction, ileus), medication delivery in patients unable to swallow, enteral nutrition, or gastric lavage in GI bleeding; placement confirmed by CXR or pH testing.
How It's Used on the Ward
"NGT" or "NG tube" — ordered when a patient can't eat/drink safely, has a bowel obstruction, or needs gastric suctioning.
Example
""Patient with small bowel obstruction: NGT to suction, NPO, IVF. Aspirate returning 800 mL of bilious fluid. Call surgery — this isn't resolving conservatively.""
Clinical Context
Confirm placement with CXR before using for medications or feeds (NG in the lung = disaster). Placement tip: measure from nose to earlobe to xiphoid process for estimated length. Gastric aspirate pH <5 suggests correct gastric placement. NG lavage for GI bleed: return of bright red blood means active bleeding; coffee-ground return = slower bleed; clear return = bleeding stopped or distal source. Contraindications: basilar skull fracture (use OG tube instead), esophageal stricture, recent esophageal/gastric surgery.