Evolve HESI Practice Exam

Which method provides the most accurate verification of proper nasogastric tube placement?

1. Checking the pH of aspirated fluid.

2. Examining a chest x-ray obtained after insertion.

3. Listening for gastric sounds.

4. Measuring the length of the tube outside the nostril.

The correct answer is: Examining a chest x-ray obtained after insertion.

The most accurate verification of proper nasogastric tube placement is through examining a chest x-ray obtained after insertion. This method provides a visual confirmation that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach and not in the lungs, which is crucial in preventing complications such as aspiration pneumonia. A chest x-ray allows healthcare providers to see the tip of the tube, ensuring that it is in the appropriate anatomical location. While checking the pH of aspirated fluid can provide some indication of gastric placement, it is not entirely foolproof. Factors such as the patient’s medication and gastric contents can influence the pH, making it less reliable compared to imaging techniques. Listening for gastric sounds is subjective and may not give an accurate assessment of tube placement. Measuring the length of the tube outside the nostril does not guarantee that the tube is placed correctly inside the gastrointestinal tract, and could potentially be misleading. Therefore, the chest x-ray remains the gold standard for validating nasogastric tube placement due to its reliability and visual confirmation.