How often should an NG tube be checked for placement?

NG tube placement is to be assessed:

1. Before each use of the tube for feeds and/or medications.
2. When a new tube is inserted.
3. When there is concern that the tube may have been pulled out or changed position.
4. There is choking, vomiting, coughing or breathing trouble.
5. Every 8 hours during a continuous feed.

What is the difference between a PEG tube and a PEJ tube?

A PEG is a feeding tube that is placed into your stomach (see Figure 1, left). If the tube can’t be placed into your stomach, you may have a PEJ tube placed instead (see Figure 1, right). A PEJ tube is placed in your jejunum, which is the second part of your small intestine.

What is Nasojejunal feeding?

Tube feeding using a nasogastric or nasojejunal tube. Print. Nasogastric or nasojejunal tubes go from your nose to different parts of your digestive tract so you can have special liquid food (feed), medicines and fluids.

What is the most accurate way to confirm placement of a nasogastric tube?

Auscultation is most often used at the bedside to check for appropriate placement of a nasogastric tube. Sound generated by air blown through the tube is used to determine tube placement in the gastrointestinal tract.

How is a PEJ placed?

A PEJ tube is placed in your jejunum, which is the second part of your small intestine. The tube is placed during an endoscopy (a procedure that lets your doctor see inside your stomach and small intestine). The feeding tube will give you nutrients if you’re not able to get enough through eating and drinking.

Why use a PEJ instead of a PEG?

When a single tube for feeding into the small bowel is needed, a PEJ is often preferred since the small bowel extension tube of the PEG-J tends to fall back into the stomach or become clogged. Low-profile devices should be considered as a replacement tube in patients requiring long-term enteral access.