Author: Ayesha Saeed / Editor: Sarah Edwards / Codes: / Published: 27/06/2025
A 70-year-old female is brought to the emergency department (ED) by her carers complaining of inability to get enteral feeding through nasogastric (NG) tube (16 Fr). The NG tube was inserted 2 days ago and the patient was then sent back to her care home. The NG placement documented at the time, was confirmed by injecting 50mls air through it and aspiration of gastric contents. While working properly for the last 2 days, it spontaneously became non-functional despite the carers attempts with freshwater flushes.
The patient is hypertensive, has a prior ischemic stroke and Parkinsonism. They are bed bound for the last 6 months and under treatment for pressure ulcers grade 3, she is enterally fed through NG tube.
Chest examination reveals bilateral breath sounds in all six zones and bowel sounds are audible with soft and non-tender abdomen.
Her vitals are:
- Pulse rate 84/min,
- Blood Pressure 130/ 80 mmHg,
- Respiratory Rate 15/min,
- Temperature 36.5oC Oxygen saturation – normal
