What is the purpose of a nasogastric tube in post-operative care?

The primary purpose of a nasogastric (NG) tube in post-operative care is to decompress the stomach and prevent nausea. After surgery, especially abdominal surgeries, the gastrointestinal tract may temporarily lose its normal function, leading to the accumulation of gastric contents. The NG tube helps relieve this pressure by allowing air and fluids to escape, which can alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of complications such as nausea and vomiting.

While NG tubes can also be used for nutritional support, medication administration, or monitoring fluid intake, these functions are secondary and dependent on the patient’s specific needs and condition. In the immediate post-operative phase, the focus is primarily on gastric decompression to ensure patient safety and comfort.