Accuracy of Bedside Methods for Preliminary Nasoenteric Tube Tip Localization in Intensive Care: A Prospective Diagnostic Study

Key Points

• The study aims to evaluate the accuracy of bedside methods for locating nasoenteric tube tips in intensive care settings.
• Validated three bedside methods: pH difference in aspirate, palpation for bubbling sounds, ultrasonographic gastric antrum assessment.
• Methods were assessed within resource-limited intensive care units (ICUs).
• Focused on integration into nurse-led protocols for tube placement.
• All three bedside methods demonstrated high accuracy for tube tip localization.
• Results indicate reduced need for interim radiographs without compromising patient safety.
• Findings support implementing these methods to improve clinical practice in ICUs.