Nasogastric tube placement at home

What a nasogastric tube is

A nasogastric tube is a thin, flexible tube that goes through the nose and the oesophagus into the stomach. Through it the patient receives food, fluids and medication when swallowing is not safe or not enough food can be taken by mouth.

The decision to place a tube is the doctor's, most often after a stroke, with severe swallowing disorders or in advanced stages of illness.

How the visit works

1. 1

   We check the doctor's order and the type of tube.

2. 2

   We sit the patient upright or half-upright and explain the procedure.

3. 3

   We pass the tube through the nose into the stomach.

4. 4

   We confirm the tube is in the right place and secure it.

How to prepare

• The doctor's order or recommendation.

• The tube and feeding syringes, if you already have them. We tell you on the call what we bring.

• When the patient last ate and which medication they take.

After placement

During feeding the patient should be sitting upright or half-upright.

If coughing, choking or difficulty breathing appears during feeding, stop feeding and contact a doctor. If the patient is choking, call 194.