Common indications for nasogastric tube use include

• A. Administering IV contrast for imaging
• B. Decompression, drainage, or feeding as ordered
• C. Measurement of blood pressure in the arm
• D. Administering inhaled medications

Answer: (B)

An NG tube is used when the stomach needs to be emptied or fed through a tube, rather than by mouth. The main purpose is to decompress the stomach, drain gastric contents, or provide enteral feeding when oral intake isn’t possible. Decompression helps relieve distention from obstruction or ileus and reduces risk of vomiting or aspiration by removing gas and fluid. Drainage removes existing gastric contents, while feeding delivers nutrition directly to the stomach or intestines when swallowing safely isn’t possible. This contrasts with administering IV contrast (given intravenously), measuring blood pressure in the arm (a circulatory measurement), or delivering inhaled medications (via the respiratory route), which are not roles for an NG tube.