A physician ordered Anthony, a male client who was admitted due to aspiration of gastric contents, to undergo decompression of the stomach. A nurse is tasked withinserting a nasogastric tube. As the nurse inserts the tube, resistance is met. Which of the following is the next action of the nurse?
A)Ask the client to drink swallow by sipping on small amounts of water.
B)Remove the tube and insert it into the other nostril.
C)Pull back the tube a little and then try to continue pushing the tube into the nostril.
D)Check patency by placing the open end of the tube in a cup of water.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The next action of the nurse is to remove the tube and insert it into the other nostril. The tube must be inserted into the other nostril to prevent damage to the nasal mucosa. Asking the client to swallow small amounts of water is only considered if the tube has reached the nasopharynx. Pushing the tube in the same nostril can cause nasal damage. Nasogastric tube placement in the stomach may be checked by placing the open end of the tube in a cup of water; this intervention is more appropriate if the tube has most likely reached the stomach.

A Physician Ordered Anthony, a Male Client Who Was Admitted