If they are coughing the whole time, it’s in the lungs. You can try to pull fluid back from the syringe…if there is gastric fluid, it’s in. Always confirm with chest X-ray before doing anything else
There are multiple methods for checking placement of an NG tube:
1. Draw back gently then test the fluid with litmus paper. If the result is strongly acidic, it is in the stomach.
2. Push a small amount of air through the tube while listening over the stomach. If it in the correct place, you should hear the air enter the stomach.
3. Obtain an x-ray to visualize the radiopaque tip in the stomach.
4. (This is REALLY old-school) Place the open end of the tube in a cup of water. If it bubbles with exhalation, it is in the lungs.
Chest X-ray is the gold standard to confirm
Should be heard by stethoscope
