A patient with a bleeding duodenal ulcer has an NG tube in place,and the physician orders 30 mL of aluminum hydroxide-magnesium hydroxide (Maalox)to be instilled through the tube every hour.How can the nurse evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Periodically aspirating and testing stomach contents for pH can determine if the Maalox is adequately neutralizing stomach acid and reducing irritation to the ulcer. Checking stool for occult blood and monitoring residual stomach contents may be useful in monitoring for ongoing bleeding or gastric emptying but would not specifically evaluate the effectiveness of the Maalox treatment. Monitoring arterial blood gas values would not be directly related to this treatment.

A Patient with a Bleeding Duodenal Ulcer Has an NG