What should you do if the patient's pH strip aspirate test measures 6?
Commence feeding - NO, the tube may be in the lungs; pH should be ? 5.5
Send the patient for a check X-ray - NO, high pH could be due to bronchial secretions, but
could also be due to medication or dilution by previous enteral feed. Should only send for
check X-ray if pH test definitive - see answer C
Wait an hour and gain new aspirate - YES, this will rule out dilution by stomach contents as
a cause of the high pH. If pH is still high, then send for check X-ray
Conduct the 'whoosh' test - NO, this is an old test where air is injected into the tube and
auscultation performed to listen for exit sounds. The NPSA issued an alert in 2005, stating
this test should no longer be used, as it is not an accurate method of checking tube
placement
