Training Module for Nursing Affiliates
NASOGASTRIC TUBE GAVAGE or FEEDING
Skills Checklist
Directions: The instructor shall place a check mark ( ✔) in the YES column if the participant or student has
effectively performed the desired activity and in the NO column if unable to do so. If necessary, remarks or comments
on the performance may be indicated.
Activity
Yes
No
Remarks
PREPARATION
1. Check and verify the doctor’s orders.
2. Warm feeding formula or allow it to thaw at room
temperature.
3. Verify patient identity.
4. Explain the procedure to the patient and relevant others.
5. Assemble and check equipment for functionality.
6. Wash hands and don gloves.
FEEDING PROCEDURE
1. Place or assist the client in a semi or high Fowler’s
position. Place a towel or absorbent pad on the patient’s
chest.
2. Assess tube patency. (Inject air using asepto-syringe into
the tube while auscultating for gastric sounds using a
stethoscope placed on the epigastric area just below the
xiphoid process.)
3. Check gastric residual. Return aspirated contents unless
the volume exceeds 100mL.
4. Flush the tube with at least 30 mL of water unless
otherwise ordered by the attending physician.
5. Initiate feeding:
a. Pinch the proximal end of the feeding
tube.
b. Connect the asepto-syringe or 10mL
syringe to the the tube.
c. Fill the syringe with a measured amount
of enteral nutrition formula or osterized
food.
d. Release the tube and elevate the syringe
to no more than 18 inches above the
insertion site. Allow the osterized food or
enteral nutrition formula to empty
gradually by gravity. Refill the syringe until
the prescribed amount has been given to
the client.
e. In the availability of an enteral feeding
container:
i. Close the regulator.
ii. Place the desired amount of
enteral feeding formula into the
container.
iii. Hang the container to the
desired level.
iv. Slowly prime the tubing of the
container like priming an IV
tubing.
v. Connect the container tubing to
the end of the nasogastric tube.
vi. Regulate the flow of the formula
by gradually releasing the
regulator.
