Nasogastric Tubes & Medical Malpractice

How a Misplaced Nasogastric (NG) Tube Can Cause Serious Injury or Death

Nasogastric tubes (NG tubes) are life-saving devices that can provide food or medicine directly to the stomach. They can also draw unwanted substances out of the stomach. They are inserted through the nose and used on a temporary basis. It is anticipated that hundreds of thousands of NG tubes are misplaced each year.

If your nasogastric tube was misplaced, resulting in further injury, you need to speak with an attorney. At The Beasley Firm, LLC, we represent medical malpractice victims who have sustained harm due to a healthcare provider’s negligence. A misplaced NG tube can cause serious injury or even death. Contact our office at (215) 866-2424 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. 

What Are Nasogastric Tubes?

Nasogastric tubes or NG tubes are small catheters (plastic tubes) that are inserted through the nasal cavity into the stomach. The feeding tube can be used to deliver substances to the stomach through the nose and down the esophagus, or it can be used to draw unwanted substances out. 

NG tubes must be properly placed in order to avoid serious injury. An NG tube that is incorrectly inserted into the lung or another part of the body can cause long-term health problems. It can also result in a delay in the patient receiving the medication or gastric suctioning that they need.

How Often Are NG Tubes Misplaced?

It is estimated that complications from nasogastric feeding tubes that are blindly inserted are between .3 and 15%. The rate of NG tube misplacement in children is considerably higher. According to the Children’s Hospital Association, the rate is reported to be between 20.9% and 43.5%.

What Are the Effects of a Misplaced NG Tube?

Misplaced nasogastric tubes are often inadvertently placed in the pleural cavity. When this occurs, a patient receives the substance (usually medication or nutrients) from the feeding tube into their lungs. 

In other cases, an improper insertion may cause the airway to become blocked. Pneumonia and pneumothorax are two of the most serious respiratory complications caused by malpositioned NG tubes. 

Is a Misplaced NG Tube Considered Medical Malpractice?

If the healthcare professional that improperly inserted your NG tubes provided substandard care, you may have a valid claim for medical malpractice. The best way to determine whether you have a medical malpractice case is by speaking with an attorney.

Contact Our Firm for a Free Case Evaluation

Did you or a loved one suffer complications from a misplaced nasogastric tube? Depending on the circumstances of the case, you might be entitled to compensation. It is important to discuss your case with an attorney as soon as possible to determine your legal options. 
At The Beasley Firm, we provide dedicated representation for medical malpractice victims. Our lawyers have secured over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients throughout Pennsylvania. If you were injured because of an improperly inserted NG tube, contact our office at (215) 866-2424 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Get the experienced representation you deserve. Call now to get started.