What are some tips for managing NG tubes in patients with high risk for aspiration?

Always check placement at start of your shift, don't take the previous nurses word for it that the tube is in the right place. Always ensure there is an abdominal XR prior to meds/feeding (you are on the hook too even if the previous shifts had been using it already w/ no XR) Always ensure HOB >30 degrees, listen for breath sounds throughout your shift (gurgling/new crackles =BAD) . Nasal bridles are helpful in confused patients if you're worried about them pulling it out.

Here are some tips for managing NG tubes in patients with high risk for aspiration:
- Proper Placement: Ensure that the NG tube is properly placed to prevent aspiration. This includes checking the placement of the tube and monitoring the patient's respiratory status.
- Suctioning: Suction the patient's airway as needed to prevent aspiration.
- Elevate Head: Elevate the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees to reduce the risk of aspiration.
- Monitor Residuals: Monitor the patient's gastric residuals to ensure that the patient is not at risk for aspiration¹.

I hope this information helps!

Source:
(1) Risk for Aspiration Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan 2024 ... - Nurseslabs. https://nurseslabs.com/risk-for-aspiration/.
(2) Nasogastric Tubes in Critical Care - Portsmouth ICU. https://www.portsmouthicu.com/resources/13-09-27-NGT-2013-v2-....
(3) Tube feeding aspiration - American Nurse Journal. https://www.myamericannurse.com/tube-feeding-aspiration/.
(4) Aspiration Prevention - AACN. https://www.aacn.org/newsroom/aspiration-prevention.
(5) Aspiration Risk and Enteral Feeding: A Clinical Approach. https://med.virginia.edu/ginutrition/wp-content/uploads/sites....