A stroke client who was initially on NGT feeding was able to tolerate a soft diet so physician ordered removal of it. The nurse would instruct client to do which of following before he removes tube?

Correct Answer: B. Take a long breath and hold it.

Holding the breath closes the glottis hence it will be easier to withdraw the tube through the esophagus into the nose, and this method will also prevent aspiration. An NG tube should be removed if it is no longer required. The process of removal is usually very quick. Prior to removing an NG tube, verify physician orders. If the NG tube was ordered to remove gastric content, the physician’s order may state to “trial” clamping the tube for a number of hours to see if the patient tolerates its removal. During the trial, the patient should not experience any nausea, vomiting, or abdominal distension.

• Option A: Instruct the patient to take a deep breath and hold it. This prevents aspiration; holding the breath closes the glottis. Kink the NG tube near the naris and gently pull out the tube in a swift, steady motion, wrapping it in your hand as it is being pulled out. Dispose of tube in garbage bag.
• Option C: The Valsalva maneuver is a breathing technique that can be used to unclog ears, restore heart rhythm or diagnose an autonomic nervous system (ANS). To perform the Valsalva maneuver, the patient should close his mouth, pinch the nose shut and press the air out like blowing up a balloon.
• Option D: Blowing the nose is a way of clearing out mucus that has collected debris and pollutants from the atmosphere. Most of the time, people blow their nose because of excess mucus production – a cold, nasal allergy, hay fever, or other conditions.