The physician orders gastric lavage to control GI bleeding.The nurse has inserted a large-bore NG tube.What temperature and irrigating fluid would be used to obtain the best results?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Historically, iced saline was favored as a lavage irrigant.Research has shown, however, that low-temperature fluids shift the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve to the left, decrease oxygen delivery to vital organs, and prolong bleeding time and prothrombin time.Iced saline also may further aggravate bleeding; therefore, room temperature water or saline is the preferred irrigant for use in gastric lavage.

The Physician Orders Gastric Lavage to Control GI Bleeding