M: Mark the exit site of tube
When the tube is first placed,
mark the tube exit site from the nare
or mouth with an indelible marker. If
the tube is dislodged inadvertently,
the clinician will be able to determine
how far the tube has been removed
and decide whether further
assessment of tip termination is indicated.
Additionally, the tube should
be measured from exit to end and
this amount recorded in the patient’s
medical record for ongoing reference.
Some tubes have incremental markings
that facilitate noting this in the
medical record or other communications.
Assessing the amount of external
is a simple, quick way to glean information
regarding tube placement.