When selecting the best nostril for NGT insertion, which action should the nurse take?

Choosing the best nostril for nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion is crucial for ensuring proper placement and patient comfort. The correct action involves asking the patient to breathe while occluding one nostril and selecting the one with greater airflow. This method allows the nurse to identify the nostril that is more patent and unobstructed, making it easier to perform the NGT insertion effectively.

Using the nostril with greater airflow ensures that the tube can pass through without significant difficulty, reducing the risk of trauma to the nasal passages and making the procedure more comfortable for the patient. It also aids in avoiding complications that could arise from attempting to insert the tube through a blocked or narrower passage.

Other options, while they may seem relevant, do not provide the same level of assessment for airflow. For instance, simply asking the patient to exhale and feel for airflow may not accurately assess which nostril is more suitable for NGT insertion. Observing airflow differences while asking the patient to inhale only considers the nostrils at one point of breathing, which may not reflect their obstruction status effectively. Selecting the nostril with lesser airflow might lead to complications due to increased resistance, whereas choosing higher airflow indicates better suitability for a smooth insertion process.