Ultrasound in the assessment of enteral tube positioning in critically ill patients: accuracy compared to radiography

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the accuracy of criteria for confirming the positioning of the enteral tube in the gastric position in critically ill patients via bedside ultrasound, compared to abdominal radiography. Method: an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, exploratory, and quantitative study carried out at a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro - Brazil, from March to July 2024. Data was analyzed descriptively and exploratorily. Results: among the criteria used to verify the positioning of the enteral tube in the gastric antrum, the fogging test showed an accuracy of 91.30%, being the criterion with the highest agreement with abdominal radiography. Conclusion: The fogging test was more effective than ultrasound alone. The study made it possible to expand clinical assessment by nurses, strengthen autonomy and value advanced practice, minimize risks and confirmation time, as well as optimize cost-effectiveness and efficiency in care.