Nurse Performed Ultrasonography in Confirming the Position of Nasogastric Tube in the Emergency Department: A Prospective Single Group Diagnostic Test Study

Introduction Emergency nurses often encounter patients with nasogastric tube (NGT) dislodgements who require reinsertion. Empirical evidence supporting the use of ultrasonography in verifying the position of NGT in local accident and emergency departments (AED) is scanty. There is also a lack of validation of nurse performed ultrasonography in Hong Kong. With the support from hospitals and medical personnel, a prospective, single group diagnostic test study was conducted to review the possibility of nurse performed ultrasonography in verifying the position of NGT in AED. Methods This study was conducted in the AED of three local hospitals. Investigators with specific ultrasound training performed ultrasonography scans to the subjects in addition to conventional pH test and “whoosh” test. Results were compared with chest or abdominal X-ray for evaluation of accuracies. Results This study confirmed a high sensitivity and specificity of nurse performed ultrasonography in confirming the position of NGT in the AED. The high positive predictive value and positive likelihood ratio supported the confirmation of NGT position by bedside ultrasound. The high specificities and minimal negative likelihood ratios of ultrasonography tests also suggested the application of bedside ultrasound in ruling out patients with misplaced NGTs. Conclusions Nurse performed ultrasonography allows immediate bedside confirmation of the position of NGT in the overcrowded AED. Considered the limitations of conventional methods, nurse performed ultrasonography can be incorporated into daily practice for providing extra evidence for the confirmation of NGT position.