Gastric tube confirmation in critical care ensures accurate placement of nasogastric or orogastric tubes, vital for patient safety and effective treatment. Ultrasound provides a non-invasive, rapid method to confirm tube location, reducing risks associated with misplacement like aspiration or delayed medication.
Medical professionals leverage bedside ultrasound to visualize the tube’s passage in the esophagus and stomach, distinguishing it from tracheal placement. This technique enhances efficiency and minimizes radiation exposure compared to traditional X-ray confirmation, making it a preferred approach in critical care settings for timely and safe gastric tube management.