Nasogastric Tube Insertion for Medical Professionals

Medical Professional - Clinical

Nasogastric (NGT) tube insertion is a common procedure that provides access to the stomach and can be uncomfortable for the patient if the procedure is not carried out correctly. Learn how to insert an NGT tube safely.

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Gastric intubation via the nasal passage (ie. nasogastric route) is a common procedure that provides access to the stomach for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The placement of a nasogastric tube (NGT) can be uncomfortable for the patient if the procedure is not carried out correctly. This module teaches you how to safely prepare for and perform the insertion of an NGT. Including both Learn and Test modes, the online simulator enables you to practice and test your ability to perform the procedure, with cross-sectional animations to enable understanding. Practice the steps of the procedure online as often as you want, until you feel confident.

Step 1 - Preparation

Step 1.1 - Tray preparation

Step 1.2 - Patient preparation

Step 1.3 - Operator preparation

Step 2 - Assess the patient's nasal passages

Step 3 - Determine the length of tube to be inserted

Step 4 - Lubricate the tube

Step 5 - Insert the nasogastric tube

Step 6 - Confirm the position of the tube

Step 7 - Secure the tube

Describe pre-procedural considerations for a nasogastric tube insertion.
Describe and demonstrate the preparation for a nasogastric tube insertion.
Understand how to assess the patient's nasal passages to identify the appropriate location for tube insertion.
Describe and demonstrate how to measure and determine the appropriate length of tube to be inserted.
Identify the proper technique for tube insertion into the stomach.
Describe and demonstrate confirmation of the tube position.
Demonstrate how to secure the tube.
Describe post-procedural considerations for a nasogastric tube insertion.

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long