Confirmation of Nasogastric Tube Placement Via Ultrasonography

Confirmation of Nasogastric Tube Placement Via Ultrasonography

The purpose of the study is to determine if ultrasonography is an adequate means for confirmation of nasogastric tube placement and that ultrasonography is more time efficient than radiography confirming nasogastric tube placement.

Our current nasogastric tube placement protocol requires confirmation of nasogastric tube placement with plain radiography. Obtaining a plane radiograph in the emergency department can be time consuming and exposes the patient to radiation. Ultrasound is readily available to our physicians and does not expose patients to radiation.

Confirmation of nasogastric tube placement by ultrasonography may provide a faster means of confirmation and expose patients to less radiation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or Female Patients 18 years of age or older.
• Patients in the emergency department at Oklahoma State University Medical Center that require NG intubation with radiography confirmation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients under the age of 18 years of age.
• Patients that are prisoners of the State or Government.
• Patient is pregnant.