Prepare for the Physical Therapy Assistant Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question accompanied by hints and explanations. Get exam-ready today!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What describes a tube inserted through a nostril into the stomach for short-term feeding?

  1. Jejunostomy tube

  2. Nasogastric tube

  3. Hickman catheter

  4. Gastric tube

The correct answer is: Nasogastric tube

A tube inserted through a nostril into the stomach for short-term feeding is known as a nasogastric tube. This type of tube is specifically designed for feeding patients who cannot take oral nutrition due to various medical conditions. It passes through the nasal passage, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. The nasogastric tube allows for the direct delivery of liquid nutrition, medications, and fluids, making it a practical solution in clinical settings for temporary nutritional support. In contrast, a jejunostomy tube is a surgical tube inserted into the jejunum for long-term feeding, which is not applicable in this case. A Hickman catheter is used for long-term intravenous access and is not related to enteral feeding. The term gastric tube could also refer to an intragastric device, but it does not specifically indicate that the tube is inserted through the nostril. Thus, the nasogastric tube is the most accurate choice for short-term feeding through a nostril.