Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 72%
Full-length
Following insertion of a nasogastric (NG) tube, the nurse aspirates the gastric contents to check the pH to determine if the NG tube is correctly placed. Which of the following pH values is consistent with gastric secretions?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Gastric secretions typically have a pH of 1.5-3.5, so a pH of 4 (D) is consistent with correct NG tube placement in the stomach. Higher pH values (A, B, C) suggest placement in the intestines or respiratory tract.