Which statement about long intestinal tubes is true?

Which statement about long intestinal tubes is true?

• A. Decompression
• B. Used for airway management
• C. Inserted by patient
• D. Have no weight at end

Answer: (A)

Long intestinal tubes are placed to decompress a distended or obstructed GI tract by suctioning out gas and liquids. This relief of pressure helps reduce vomiting and abdominal distention and allows the bowel to regain peristaltic activity. They are not used for airway management, and placement is performed by a clinician rather than the patient. Many long intestinal tubes have a weighted tip to aid advancement, so the idea that there is no weight at the end isn’t accurate for these tubes.

Long intestinal tubes are placed to decompress a distended or obstructed GI tract by suctioning out gas and liquids. This relief of pressure helps reduce vomiting and abdominal distention and allows the bowel to regain peristaltic activity. They are not used for airway management, and placement is performed by a clinician rather than the patient. Many long intestinal tubes have a weighted tip to aid advancement, so the idea that there is no weight at the end isn’t accurate for these tubes.