For needle tip placement in oral gavage, which statement is correct?

• A. Behind the incisors.
• B. Into the nasal cavity.
• C. Into the cheek.
• D. Into the ear canal.

Answer: (A)

The essential idea is placing the needle tip behind the incisors so you can guide the tube into the esophagus and toward the stomach for a true oral gavage delivery. This position creates a direct path through the mouth into the upper digestive tract, reducing the chance that liquid goes into the nasal passages or other tissues. Placing the tip into the nasal cavity would route material into the nose and could lead to aspiration or failure to deliver the dose. Aiming into the cheek would place liquid into soft tissue rather than the esophagus, and into the ear canal is obviously unrelated to the gastrointestinal route and dangerous. By keeping the tip behind the incisors and into the oral cavity proper, you can carefully advance into the esophagus while minimizing trauma and ensuring the substance reaches the stomach.