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Comparing bedside methods of determining placement of gastric tubes in children
Author(s) -
Ellett Marsha L. Cirgin,
Cohen Mervyn D.,
Croffie Joseph M. B.,
Lane Kathleen A.,
Austin Joan K.,
Perkins Susan M.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal for specialists in pediatric nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1744-6155
pISSN - 1539-0136
DOI - 10.1111/jspn.12054
Subject(s) - predictive value , medicine , tube (container) , feeding tube , bilirubin , surgery , materials science , composite material
Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and predictive validity of pH , bilirubin, and CO 2 in identifying gastric tube placement errors in children. Design and Methods After the tube was inserted into 276 children, the CO 2 monitor reading was obtained. Fluid was then aspirated to test pH and bilirubin. Results Lack of ability to obtain tube aspirate was the best predictor of NG / OG placement errors with a sensitivity of 34.9% and a positive predictive value of 66.7%. Measuring pH , bilirubin, and CO 2 of tube aspirate was less helpful. Practice Implications Healthcare providers should suspect NG / OG tube misplacement when no fluid is aspirated.