Before administering intermittent feedings via a nasogastric tube, what should the nurse check first?

To ensure patient safety and the effectiveness of the feeding process, checking tube placement is critical before administering intermittent feedings via a nasogastric tube. Proper placement confirms that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach, preventing complications such as aspiration. If the tube is incorrectly placed, introducing feedings could lead to food entering the lungs instead of the stomach, which can cause serious respiratory issues and increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Verifying tube placement involves techniques such as checking the pH of gastric contents, observing for gastric residuals, or using imaging if necessary to confirm its position. Engaging these practices aligns with standard nursing protocols and best practices in ensuring patient safety during enteral feeding.