Procedural Skills for Medical Students
Nasogastric Tube Insertion
Objectives:
1. Learners should be able to verbalize the indications
and contraindications for nasogastric (NG) tube
placement.
2. Using proper technique, learners should be able to
place an NG tube on Laerdal trainer.
Material to review prior to lab: Video on Nasogastric Intubation (need access to New England
Journal of Medicine, available to students through the University of Arizona Health
Sciences Library)
Indications:
1. Gastric decompression
2. Instillation of feedings or medications for patients unable to take by mouth.
3. For diagnostic radiology procedures to evaluate anatomical positions
Contraindications:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Facial fractures, especially midface or basilar skull fractures for NG placement.
Esophageal obstruction, strictures, or history of alkali ingestion
Esophageal varices
Recent oropharyngeal, nasal, or gastric surgery
Equipment: NG tube, Laerdal airway trainer
Instructional Procedure & Endpoints:
1. Learners will be oriented to trainer and equipment in ASTEC.
2. ASTEC staff will demonstrate instruction on proper technique for NG placement.
3. Learners will verbalize the process for measuring the distance to determine the depth of
insertion of the NG tube.
4. Learners will demonstrate proper insertion of NG tube on trainer to ASTEC staff.
References:
Kim, Y.S. (2011). Nasogastric and nasoenteric tube insertion. In J.L. Pfenninger, & G.C.
Fowler (Eds.), Procedures for Primary Care, 3rd Ed (1392-1399). Philadelphia:
Elsevier Mosby.
Thomsen, T.W., Shaffer, R.W., & Setnik, G.S. (2006). Nasogastric intubation. The New
England Journal of Medicine, 354(e16). Retrieved from
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMvcm050183#figure=preview.gif
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