A nurse is receiving report on a newborn admitted yesterday after a gastroschisis repair. In the report, the nurse is told the newborn has a physician's prescription for an NG tube to low intermittent suction. The reporting nurse confirms that the NG tube is to low intermittent suction and draining light green stomach contents. Upon initial assessment, the nurse notes that the newborn has pulled the NG tube out. Which is the priority action the nurse should take?
A) Replace the NG tube and continue the low intermittent suction.
B) Leave the NG tube out and notify the physician at the end of the shift.
C) Leave the NG tube out and monitor for bowel sounds.
D) Replace the NG tube, but leave to gravity drainage instead of low wall suction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A newborn with a gastroschisis performed the day before will require bowel decompression with an NG tube to low wall intermittent suction. The nurse's priority action is to replace the NG tube and continue with the low wall intermittent suctioning. The NG tube cannot be left out this soon after surgery. The physician's prescription was to have the NG tube to low wall intermittent suction, so the tube cannot be placed to gravity drainage.

A Nurse Is Receiving Report on a Newborn Admitted Yesterday