Identify the following tube.

Appeared in: NORCET 2 - 2021 (shift-1)

Explanation

The image shows a small-bore, flexible tube, which is characteristic of a tube designed for infants.
A stylet (guidewire) is visible inside the tube, which is used to provide stiffness for inserting soft, small-bore feeding tubes.
The proximal end has a capped connector for administering feeds, not a vent for suction.
The overall size and features are consistent with a tube used for neonatal or infant gavage feeding.

Option A: While technically a type of nasogastric (NG) tube, this answer is too general. The question requires the most specific and accurate identification based on the visual evidence.
Option C: A suction catheter is designed to remove secretions and has a distinctive thumb-control port or Y-connector to modulate suction. The tube in the image lacks this feature.
Option D: A Levin tube is a large-bore (typically 12-18 French) single-lumen NG tube used primarily in adults for gastric decompression. The tube in the image is clearly small-bore.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of medical tubes as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correctly identifying medical tubes is a critical patient safety skill for nurses to prevent administration errors, such as connecting a feeding formula to an IV line or attempting to feed through a suction catheter.
For infant feeding tubes, nurses must meticulously verify placement before each feeding (e.g., by checking aspirate pH) to prevent aspiration, which can be fatal in neonates.
What if? If a nurse mistook this for a suction catheter and tried to clear an infant's airway, it would be ineffective due to the lack of a suction control mechanism and the small side ports, potentially delaying necessary care.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully examine the image of the medical device, paying close attention to all its parts from tip to end.
Identify key features: What is the tube's diameter (small or large bore)? What does the connector at the end look like? Are there any special ports, markings, or additional components like a stylet?
Systematically evaluate each option against your observations. Does a 'Suction catheter' have a stylet and a capped connector? No, it has a thumb vent. Eliminate it.
Compare the remaining options. 'NG tube' is general. 'Levin tube' is large-bore. 'Infant feeding tube' is small-bore and often has a stylet. The features in the image best match 'Infant feeding tube'.
Select the most specific and accurate description that accounts for all the visual evidence.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 2 p. 89-91

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 6 p. 43-45

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 510-512

Practise the full NORCET 2 - 2021 (shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.