Feeding a Patient per Nasogastric Tube

Procedure

1. Check the feed prescription: type, volume, rate and water flushes.
2. Explain the procedure to the patient even if unconscious, and provide privacy.
3. Wash hands, don gloves and check the feed is in date and at room temperature.
4. Sit the patient at 30–45 degrees or higher and keep them there throughout.
5. Check the external tube length against the documented insertion length.
6. Confirm placement by aspirating gastric contents and testing pH — 1 to 5.5 is safe to feed.
7. Check the gastric residual volume as per policy and act on the threshold set.
8. Flush with 30 ml water, then deliver the feed by gravity or pump at the prescribed rate.
9. Never rush a bolus; watch for coughing, distension, vomiting or discomfort.
10. Flush again with water, keep the patient upright for at least 30 minutes and provide mouth care.
11. Record the feed, water, residual volume, tube length and the patient’s tolerance.