Which method is used for assessing proper placement of a nasogastric tube?

Using chest X-ray is a reliable method for assessing the proper placement of a nasogastric (NG) tube. This imaging technique can visualize the tube's pathway and confirm that it is correctly positioned in the stomach, rather than in the lungs or other areas. The chest X-ray provides a clear view of the tube's location, thereby ensuring that it has not been misplaced, which is crucial in preventing complications such as aspiration.

While other methods like listening for bowel sounds can provide some information about gastrointestinal activity, they are not definitive indicators of the tube's placement. Similarly, cervical X-ray is generally not utilized for this purpose, as it focuses on the neck region rather than the thoracic cavity where the tube needs to be confirmed. Capnography, which measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in respiratory gases, is typically used in intubation contexts and does not apply to NG tube placement assessment. Thus, the chest X-ray is the most accurate and commonly accepted method for verifying that the nasogastric tube is in the correct anatomical position.