What instruction should the nurse give to the patient when removing a nasogastric tube?

When removing a nasogastric tube, instructing the patient to inhale and hold their breath is an effective strategy. This action can help close the vocal cords and prevent aspiration when the tube is being withdrawn. By holding their breath, the patient minimizes the risk of any residual secretions or material in the throat being inadvertently inhaled into the lungs, which is a critical concern when performing this procedure.

Inhaling before removal creates a moment where the airway is protected, and by holding the breath, the patient helps maintain this protective mechanism until the tube is completely out. This instruction contributes to ensuring patient safety during the tube removal process.

Other options might not effectively safeguard against aspiration. For instance, continuously inhaling and exhaling may not provide the necessary closure of the airway. Coughing frequently can also increase the risk of aspiration rather than prevent it, while exhaling and holding the breath does not offer the same protective benefits as inhaling does. Therefore, guiding the patient to inhale and hold their breath is the optimal choice to ensure a safe nasogastric tube removal.