Identify the following tube.

NORCET 2 - 2021 (shift-1)

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Medium

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

Explanation

The tube shown is an infant feeding tube, characterized by its small diameter (small-bore), flexibility, and markings for depth.
These tubes are specifically designed for providing enteral nutrition (gavage feeding) to neonates and infants who are unable to feed orally.
The orange hub with a cap is a standard connector for feeding syringes and pumps, and the rounded tip facilitates gentle insertion.
The presence of a guidewire, visible in a portion of the tube, is common for small-bore tubes to add rigidity during placement.

Option A: While technically a type of nasogastric (NG) tube, this answer is too general. 'Infant feeding tube' is a more specific and accurate classification based on the tube's distinct features.
Option C: A suction catheter is designed for removing secretions and would have a thumb-control port or vent near the hub to regulate suction pressure. The tube in the image lacks this feature.
Option D: A Levin tube is a type of single-lumen NG tube, but it is typically larger-bore (12-18 Fr) and used for gastric decompression or feeding in adults. The tube shown is visibly much smaller in diameter.

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 feeding tubes is a critical nursing skill to ensure patient safety. Using the wrong tube (e.g., a large-bore tube in an infant) can cause significant trauma.
For neonates, verifying the placement of a feeding tube before every feed is paramount to prevent aspiration. Methods include checking aspirate pH (should be less than 5.5) and observing for changes in external tube length. X-ray remains the gold standard for initial placement confirmation.
What if? If the tube had a second, smaller lumen (a blue 'pigtail'), it would be a Salem Sump tube. This design allows for continuous suction for gastric decompression while the air vent prevents the tube from adhering to the stomach wall.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully examine the entire instrument in the image, paying attention to all its parts from tip to hub.
Identify key features: What is the tube's diameter (small or large bore)? Is it flexible or rigid? Are there any markings? What does the hub/connector look like? Are there any extra ports or lumens (e.g., a suction vent)?
Consider the function implied by these features. A small, flexible tube is for long-term feeding or pediatric use. A large, rigid tube is often for decompression. A port for suction control indicates a suction catheter.
Evaluate each option against your observations. Eliminate options that have features clearly absent in the image (like a suction vent).
Select the most specific and accurate description. While it is an 'NG tube,' 'infant feeding tube' is more precise given its small size and features.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of medical tubes
Stem keywords: Identify, tube
Lead-in keywords: Identify
Clinical cues: Visual identification of a small-bore tube with markings and a capped hub.

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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