Enteral feeding tubes

Question 1

What should the pH of NG tube aspirate be if it is in the correct position?

Answer 1

<5 if in stomach

Question 2

What drugs can affect the pH of aspirate during placing of an NG tube?

Answer 2

PPIs

Question 3

What is a Ryles tube?

Answer 3

NG tube used for stomach drainage

Question 4

How commonly should you test the pH of aspirate with NG tubes?

Answer 4

before every use

Question 5

What are dual purpose NG tubes used for?

Answer 5

gastric drainage and very short term feeding

Question 6

NG tube contraindications

Answer 6

severe facial trauma
skull base fracture
upper GI perforation

caution in oesophageal disease and nasal tumours

Question 7

How much gastric juices and saliva is produced each day?

Answer 7

approximately 2 litres

Question 8

What are NG/NJ bridles used for?

Answer 8

method of securing NJ/NG tube
recommended if patient has required 2 replacement tubes within 48 hours
not recommended for very confused patient as if they pull on bridle it will damage septum

Question 9

What should be done to PEG tubes weekly to prevent it getting buried in the stomach?

Answer 9

should be advanced and rotated weekly