Comparing bedside methods of determining placement of gastric tubes in children. Issue 1 (8th November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ellett, Marsha L. Cirgin; Cohen, Mervyn D.; Croffie, Joseph M. B.; Lane, Kathleen A.; Austin, Joan K.; Perkins, Susan M.
• Is Part Of: Journal for specialists in pediatric nursing. Volume 19:Issue 1(2014)
• Page Start: 68
• Page End: 79
• Publication Date: 2013-11-08
• Subjects: Pediatric nursing -- Periodicals; Evidence-based nursing -- Periodicals; Evidence-based pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.9200231
• DOI: 10.1111/jspn.12054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1539-0136

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="jspn12054-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Purpose</title> <p>The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and predictive validity of pH, bilirubin, and CO₂ in identifying gastric tube placement errors in children.</p> </sec> <sec id="jspn12054-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Design and Methods</title> <p>After the tube was inserted into 276 children, the CO₂ monitor reading was obtained. Fluid was then aspirated to test pH and bilirubin.</p> </sec> <sec id="jspn12054-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>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 CO₂ of tube aspirate was less helpful.</p> </sec> <sec id="jspn12054-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Practice Implications</title> <p>Healthcare providers should suspect NG/OG tube misplacement when no fluid is aspirated.</p> </sec> </abstract>