What should a PCT expect when caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube?

When caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube, throat irritation is a common expectation. The presence of the NG tube can cause discomfort in the throat due to its placement through the nasal passage and into the stomach. This irritation occurs as the tube can rub against the throat's lining, leading to sensations of pain or discomfort.

Other potential side effects related to an NG tube, such as diarrhea, swollen abdomen, or nausea, may occur in some cases but are not as directly linked to the tube's presence as throat irritation is. Diarrhea can result from the type of nutritional formula or medications administered through the tube, while a swollen abdomen may indicate complications or issues unrelated to the tube itself. Nausea could arise due to various factors like the underlying condition of the patient or reactions to the feed, but these are not expected outcomes solely from the presence of the NG tube. Thus, throat irritation remains the most directly related symptom to the use of an NG tube.