Knot Formed in Nasogastric Tube: A Case Report

Nasogastric tubes are used for various indications such as gastrointestinal decompression, enteral nutrition, drug administration, naso-biliary drainage and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In addition to nutrition, nasogastric tubes are frequently used by nurses in order to provide some medicines in intensive care units. Besides the advantages of easy and early access to the gastric tract, and placement by the nurse, there are disadvantages such as position verification difficulty, nasopharyngeal trauma, tube displacement and aspiration risk. In our case, we present a case of mechanical obstruction caused by the knot formed at the end of the tube as a result of the use of nasogastric tube that was not suitable for the purpose. Many complications can be prevented by correct placement of nasogastric tubes, verification of the location before each use, evaluation of obstruction and regular control of the level. Prevention of complications is of great importance in order not to interrupt the treatment and nutrition. In this context, intensive care nurses providing uninterrupted 24-hour care services have vital responsibilities.