Which statement best describes a typical use of a nasogastric (NG) tube?

• A. Used for long-term feeding
• B. Used for short-term liquid feeding, medication administration or to remove gas from stomach
• C. Used for feeding into the small intestine
• D. Used to diagnose GI ulcers

Answer: (B)

Nasogastric tubes are used mainly for short-term gastric management. They allow delivering liquids and medications directly into the stomach and can relieve abdominal distension by removing gas or gastric contents. This makes them ideal for brief needs such as post‑op recovery, acute GI obstruction, or when a patient cannot take oral fluids. For long-term nutrition, a tube that remains in place longer (like a gastrostomy or jejunostomy) is preferred, because an NG tube is uncomfortable and has a higher risk of displacement or other complications. Feeding directly into the small intestine requires a nasoenteric tube beyond the stomach, not the standard NG tube. Diagnosing GI ulcers is typically done with endoscopy or imaging, not via an NG tube.