Which of the following is a contraindication to nasogastric tube feedings?

• A. Upper airway secretions
• B. Adequate nasal patency
• C. Normal sinus anatomy
• D. No nasal polyps

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a safe NG feeding requires a clear, stable upper airway to minimize aspiration risk and ensure proper tube placement. Having upper airway secretions signals ongoing airway irritation or infection and increases the chance that secretions could be aspirated or that feeding could provoke coughing, overflow, or misplacement around the airway. In this situation, enteral nutrition via an NG tube is considered contraindicated until the secretions are controlled or another feeding method is used.

By contrast, adequate nasal patency, normal sinus anatomy, and no nasal polyps describe a nasal route that is favorable for tube placement and does not by itself create a safety issue for feeding.