What is the initial nursing action following the insertion of a nasogastric tube?

The initial nursing action following the insertion of a nasogastric tube is to assess tube placement. This step is critical to ensure that the tube has been correctly positioned in the stomach and not in the lungs, which can lead to serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Verifying tube placement typically involves checking the pH of gastric content or using an external method such as listening for bowel sounds or confirming via imaging if necessary.

Securing the tube, administering feeding, and documenting the insertion are all important, but they come after confirming that the tube is properly placed. Only after placement is verified should the nurse proceed to secure the tube to prevent dislodgement, begin any feeding as ordered, and document the procedure for accurate medical records. Therefore, assessing tube placement is the priority action immediately following the insertion of a nasogastric tube.