Closing the Gap in Stroke Care: The Impact of Early Nasogastric Tube Insertion Following Failed Swallow Screening
Okeshia Pettiford
Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation
College: College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major: MSN.NURSINGLDSHP
Faculty Research Mentor: Rivera, Elsie
Abstract:
AbstractTitle: Closing the Gap in Stroke Care: The Impact of Early Nasogastric Tube Insertion Following Failed Swallow ScreeningAuthor: Okeshia Pettiford, Department of Nursing, Kean UniversityBackground: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability, affecting approximately 795,000 people annually in the United States. Complications such as dysphagia occur in up to 50% of acute stroke patients and are strongly associated with aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, prolonged hospitalization, and higher healthcare costs. Timely recognition and management of swallowing impairment are essential to prevent secondary complications and optimize recovery. Early identification and treatment of dysphagia is crucial for preventing avoidable clinical deteriorationObjective: This literature review synthesizes current evidence on whether early nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion, compared with delayed placement, improves clinical outcomes in acute stroke patients who fail initial swallow screening.Methods: A structured search of the CINAHL, PubMed, and ProQuest databases identified peer-reviewed studies published in the past 5 years. The review evaluates recent evidence examining whether early placement of an NGT improves outcomes following a failed swallowing screen. The selected articles included retrospective cohort, qualitative, and quantitative studiesResults: The literature consistently supports early enteral access as a critical component of stroke care. Standardized dysphagia screening protocols, nurse-driven interventions, and streamlined clinical pathways were linked to shorter time to nutritional support, fewer aspiration-related complications, reduced hospital length of stay, and improved interdisciplinary collaboration. Collectively, these findings underscore the importance of organizational readiness and nursing leadership in facilitating timely intervention.Conclusion: Early NGT insertion after failed swallow screening is an evidence-based strategy that improves patient safety and clinical outcomes in acute stroke care. Healthcare organizations should prioritize structured dysphagia protocols and empower nurses to initiate timely enteral feeding, thereby reducing preventable complications and supporting enhanced recovery.Keywords: Acute Stroke; Dysphagia; Nasogastric Tube; Aspiration Pneumonia; Nurse-Led screening