NG tube use is most appropriate for patients with which conditions?

NG tube use is most appropriate for patients with which conditions?

• A. Dysphagia, stroke, facial/neck burns
• B. Hypertension
• C. Diabetes
• D. Asthma

Answer: (A)

NG tubes are used when a patient cannot safely receive nutrition by mouth or when the stomach needs to be decompressed. Dysphagia, especially after a stroke, impairs swallowing and raises the risk of aspiration, so delivering nutrition directly to the stomach via a tube is appropriate to meet nutritional needs while protecting the airway. Facial or neck burns can disrupt swallowing mechanics and airway protection as well, making oral intake unsafe; an NG tube provides a way to feed or decompress without relying on the compromised swallow route. In contrast, hypertension, diabetes, and asthma are chronic conditions managed with medications and lifestyle without requiring enteral access, so they don’t inherently call for NG tube use.

NG tubes are used when a patient cannot safely receive nutrition by mouth or when the stomach needs to be decompressed. Dysphagia, especially after a stroke, impairs swallowing and raises the risk of aspiration, so delivering nutrition directly to the stomach via a tube is appropriate to meet nutritional needs while protecting the airway. Facial or neck burns can disrupt swallowing mechanics and airway protection as well, making oral intake unsafe; an NG tube provides a way to feed or decompress without relying on the compromised swallow route. In contrast, hypertension, diabetes, and asthma are chronic conditions managed with medications and lifestyle without requiring enteral access, so they don’t inherently call for NG tube use.