What assessment finding indicates correct placement of a nasogastric tube?

The assessment finding that indicates correct placement of a nasogastric tube is the aspiration of a light-yellow liquid, typically referred to as gastric contents. When a healthcare provider aspirates the tube and retrieves a fluid that is clear to light yellow, it suggests that the tube is correctly positioned within the stomach. Gastric contents usually have a pH of around 1 to 5, and a light yellow or yellow-green liquid indicates that the tube is in a proper location for feeding or medication administration.

This finding provides assurance that the tube has not entered the trachea or esophagus, which could lead to complications such as aspiration pneumonia. The other options do not specifically confirm the correct placement of the nasogastric tube. For instance, while the presence of bubbles might indicate air in the tube, it doesn't reliably confirm gastric placement. Similarly, no resistance during insertion can occur regardless of tube placement and is not a definitive indicator. Lastly, the absence of gastric fluid does not provide information about the placement, as this could suggest that the tube is in the wrong location or that the stomach is empty.

Thus, aspiration of light-yellow gastric fluid is a clear, direct indicator that the nasogastric tube is properly placed.