What pH reading should a nurse expect when testing the secretions of a client with an NG tube to confirm correct placement?

In the context of confirming the placement of a nasogastric (NG) tube, the expected pH reading of gastric secretions typically falls between 1.5 to 4.0. This acidic range helps distinguish gastric content from respiratory or intestinal secretions. An expected pH of around 4.0 aligns well with this understanding, indicating that the contents are likely gastric.

The acidic environment is maintained by the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which serves both digestive and protective roles. When testing for NG tube placement, a pH of 4.0 suggests that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach; higher pH values could indicate the presence of contents from the intestines or respiratory tract, which would not be appropriate for an NG tube's intended functioning.

Other potential answers suggest pH values that could indicate different types of secretions. A pH of 6.0 and above begins to approach the alkaline range typically found in bile or respiratory secretions, making them less likely for proper gastric placement. A reading of 3.0, albeit within the normal gastric range, is closer to the acidic limit that may not consistently represent the average pH of gastric secretions. Likewise, a pH of