What should you have the patient do when removing the NG tube?

What should you have the patient do when removing the NG tube?

• A. Take a deep breath and hold it
• B. Breathe normally and exhale slowly
• C. Hold breath for 30 seconds
• D. Exhale while pulling quickly

Answer: (A)

Airway protection during removal is the main idea. Instruct the patient to take a deep breath and hold it as the tube is withdrawn. This brief breath-hold helps close the glottis, reducing the chance of aspiration and minimizing coughing or gagging as the tube comes out. Breathe normally and exhale slowly wouldn’t provide that protective moment and could increase the risk of contents entering the airway if a reflex response is triggered. Holding the breath for an extended time isn’t necessary and can cause discomfort or hypoxia. Exhaling while pulling quickly raises the likelihood of reflux and coughing, making aspiration more likely.

Airway protection during removal is the main idea. Instruct the patient to take a deep breath and hold it as the tube is withdrawn. This brief breath-hold helps close the glottis, reducing the chance of aspiration and minimizing coughing or gagging as the tube comes out. Breathe normally and exhale slowly wouldn’t provide that protective moment and could increase the risk of contents entering the airway if a reflex response is triggered. Holding the breath for an extended time isn’t necessary and can cause discomfort or hypoxia. Exhaling while pulling quickly raises the likelihood of reflux and coughing, making aspiration more likely.