When is it within the scope of practice for registered nurses to insert nasogastric feeding tubes?

When is it within the scope of practice for registered nurses to insert nasogastric feeding tubes?

• A. In the uncomplicated patient on the inpatient floor
• B. In the uncomplicated patient on the outpatient clinic
• C. In any patient on any unit without supervision
• D. Only in the operating room

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the ability of a registered nurse to insert a nasogastric tube is defined by setting, supervision, and the presence of a physician’s order with a clear protocol. In an uncomplicated patient on the inpatient floor, this is typically within RN scope because the procedure can be performed under an established order and facility guidelines, with immediate access to supervision if issues arise and to verify proper tube placement afterward. In other settings, such as an outpatient clinic, or without supervision, or in the operating room where the surgeon or anesthesia team usually performs the insertion, the RN's independent insertion is not the standard practice. So the appropriate scenario is an uncomplicated patient on the inpatient floor.

The key idea is that the ability of a registered nurse to insert a nasogastric tube is defined by setting, supervision, and the presence of a physician’s order with a clear protocol. In an uncomplicated patient on the inpatient floor, this is typically within RN scope because the procedure can be performed under an established order and facility guidelines, with immediate access to supervision if issues arise and to verify proper tube placement afterward. In other settings, such as an outpatient clinic, or without supervision, or in the operating room where the surgeon or anesthesia team usually performs the insertion, the RN's independent insertion is not the standard practice. So the appropriate scenario is an uncomplicated patient on the inpatient floor.