Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 1897 of 2368
A client has a double-lumen NG tube for decompression with a blue pigtail. How should the nurse manage the blue pigtail?
- Clamp it between suction cycles to keep air from entering the stomach
- Connect it to suction at the same time as the larger lumen of the tube
- Use it to irrigate the tube each shift with saline to help keep it patent
- Keep it open; never clamp it, connect it to suction, or irrigate through it
Show answer
Correct answer: Keep it open; never clamp it, connect it to suction, or irrigate through it
The blue pigtail is the air vent, which prevents the stomach lining from being pulled into the tube.
Source: Nursing Advanced Skills (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Insert Nasogastric and Feeding Tubes: Types of NG Tubes. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026