What technique should the nurse use to ensure safe insertion of a nasogastric tube?

The correct choice in this case is to ask the client to swallow as the tube is advanced. This technique is effective because swallowing helps facilitate the passage of the nasogastric tube into the esophagus rather than the trachea, reducing the risk of aspiration and ensuring safer placement. When a client swallows, the epiglottis closes over the airway, allowing the tube to travel down the esophagus more smoothly.

Asking the client to breathe deeply may help them relax, but it does not actively assist in directing the tube into the correct path. Inserting the tube while the client is talking carries a higher risk of misplacement, as the airway is unprotected during speech. Having the client tilt their head back may also not be beneficial, as it can potentially block the esophagus and make it harder for the tube to reach its intended destination. Thus, the swallowing technique is the most advantageous and safe method for this procedure.