Which statement about a nasogastric (NG) tube is true?

• A. Inserted through nostril that extends into stomach
• B. Used for long-term feeding
• C. Complications: position of tube can inhibit a cough
• D. Inserted into jejunum

Answer: (A)

Nasogastric tubes are inserted through a nostril and pass down into the stomach. This route defines how the tube is used for short-term purposes such as gastric decompression or feeding for a limited period. They’re not the typical choice for long-term feeding—that would usually involve a gastrostomy or another enteral access that stays in place longer. If a tube were to go into the jejunum, that would require a nasojejunal (nasal-enteric) tube, which is a different type and route. The notion that the tube’s position can inhibit a cough isn’t a standard feature of NG tubes; coughing relates more to airway irritation or misplacement into the trachea rather than to normal gastric placement. Therefore, the statement about insertion through a nostril into the stomach best describes an NG tube.