Nokea
Which actions are taken to verify the correct placement of a small-bore NG tube immediately after insertion? (Rank your answers in the correct order.)
Correct Answer: D,A,B,E,C
Rationale: To verify the correct placement of a small-bore NG tube immediately after insertion, the first and most important step is to obtain an x-ray, as this is the gold standard for confirming placement and must be completed before administering any feedings or medications. Once placement is confirmed radiographically, the nurse can then aspirate gastric contents, checking the pH (which should be between 1 and 5) and observing the color, which is typically grassy green, tan, or off-white, indicating gastric placement. Next, the nurse should confirm the tube size and ensure it is securely taped in place to prevent displacement. After verification, the nurse may flush the tube with 15 to 30 mL of water to confirm patency, but this is done only after placement is confirmed, not as a method of verification itself. The water bubble test, which involves placing the distal end of the tube in water to check for bubbles, is outdated and unreliable and should not be used in current clinical practice.