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Nasogastric Tube Insertion and Care — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

Verify placement → X-ray gold standard

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Physiological Adaptation 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Nasogastric Tube Insertion and Care on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Insert

Key facts

Measure nose→ear→xiphoid (NEX)
High Fowler's, chin to chest
Have pt swallow/sip water

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Verify

Key facts

X-ray = gold standard before use
Check pH ≤5 = gastric

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Do

Nursing actions

HOB ≥30° during/after feeds
Flush before/after meds, check residual

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Stop

Notify / act now

Coughing/cyanosis → pull back STAT
Hold feed if residual high

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Quick Tip

Measure tube length from tip of nose to earlobe to xiphoid process (NEX) before insertion.

📖 Related Topics

Hypokalemia Hyperkalemia Hyponatremia Heart Failure

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