Chapter 44 - Digestive and GI Modalities

As part of the process of checking the placement of a nasogastric tube, the nurse checks the pH of the aspirate. Which pH finding would indicate to the nurse that the tube is in the stomach?

4

A client recovering from gastric bypass surgery accidentally removes the nasogastric tube. What is the best action by the nurse?

Notify the surgeon about the tube's removal.

The nurse is caring for a client who has a gastrostomy tube feeding. Upon initiating care, the nurse aspirates the gastrotomy tube for gastric residual volume (GRV) and obtains 200 mL of gastric contents. What is the priority action by the nurse?

Place the client in a semi-Fowler's position with the head of the bed at 45 degrees.

The nurse observes dry mucous membranes in a client who is receiving tube feedings after an oral surgery. The client also reports unpleasant tastes and odors. Which measure should be included in the client's plan of care?

Provide frequent mouth care.

The nurse confirms placement of a client's nasogastric (NG) tube using a combination of visual and pH assessment of the aspirate. The nurse determines that the NG tube remains properly placed when the pH of the aspirate is

acidic

The nurse prepares to administer all of a client's medications via feeding tube. The nurse consults the pharmacist and/or physician when the nurse notes which type of oral medication on the client's medication administration record?

enteric-coated tablets

Which condition is caused by improper catheter placement and inadvertent puncture of the pleura?

pneumothorax

The most significant complication related to continuous tube feedings is

the increased potential for aspiration.

The nurse is to discontinue a nasogastric tube that had been used for decompression. What is the first action the nurse should take?

Flush with 10 mL of water.

The client is on a continuous tube feeding. The nurse determines the tube placement should be checked every

shift.