The nurse has to insert a nasogastric tube for the purpose of temporary tube feedings.To determine the length of the tube,the nurse should use which measurement?

A) Tip of the nose to the xiphoid process of the sternum and add an additional 20 cm
B) Tip of the chin to the earlobe to xiphoid process of the sternum
C) Tip of nose to the earlobe to xiphoid process of the sternum
D) Tip of the earlobe to the nose to the umbilicus

Determine the length of the tube you will insert,and mark location on the tube or mark with tape.Measure the distance from the tip of nose to earlobe to xiphoid process of the sternum.Adding an additional length of half the distance from the xiphoid process to the umbilicus may aid in seating the tube further into the stomach.Add an additional 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches)for a nasointestinal tube.Chin to the earlobe to the xiphoid process and the tip of the earlobe to the nose to the umbilicus will provide an inaccurate length.