NGT
Medical abbreviation · Nursing
| Stands for | Nasogastric tube |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
NGT stands for Nasogastric tube, a nursing abbreviation.
Flexible tube passed through the nose and down the esophagus into the stomach, used for feeding, giving medications, or suctioning gastric contents in bowel obstruction or after surgery. Correct placement must be confirmed before anything is put down it.
Example: NGT to low intermittent suction, 400 mL bilious output this shift.
Usage notes
Often written NG tube. Tube length is estimated by measuring from nose to earlobe to xiphoid process (the NEX method). An X-ray is the gold standard for first confirmation; the old "whoosh test" of listening for injected air is unreliable and discouraged. Aspirate pH testing is widely used as a bedside check in the UK.
Related abbreviations
More nursing abbreviations
- NAD – No acute distress
- NANDA-I – NANDA International
- NAS – No added salt
- NCP – Nursing care plan
- NCS – No concentrated sweets
- NDx – Nursing diagnosis
- NIC – Nursing Interventions Classification
- NKA – No known allergies
- NKDA – No known drug allergies
- NKFA – No known food allergies
- NOC – Nursing Outcomes Classification
- NPO – Nil per os (nothing by mouth)
See all 90 nursing abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.