Nasogastric (NG) tubes are primarily used for feeding, with thousands inserted daily without incident1.
However, misplacement of an NG tube into the lungs can lead to life-threatening complications or even death if it is then used for feeding2. Therefore, verifying correct tube placement before use is critical. The first-line method for confirming gastric placement is by testing the NG tube aspirate. The pH of gastric aspirate (stomach contents) typically ranges from 0 to 5, indicating an acidic environment. This acidity helps confirm correct placement of an NG tube in the stomach. Misplacement of an NG tube can lead to serious complications. While pneumothorax is a rare outcome, more common risks include aspiration pneumonia and respiratory distress. If not promptly identified and managed, these can progress to a pulmonary abscess due to infection.
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