Asked by Andrew Bauer on May 03, 2024
Verified
Mr.Comartin has returned to the surgical unit with a nasogastric (NG) tube in place.How can the nurse confirm that the NG tube is in the stomach?
A) Listen over the stomach for a swishing sound when air is injected into the NG tube
B) Ask Mr.Comartin to swallow and check him to see if the gag reflex is present
C) Check the NG tube aspirate for acidity using a pH strip
D) Connect the NG tube to suction and observe the aspirate
Stomach
An organ in the gastrointestinal tract that plays a key role in the digestion of food by secreting gastric acids and enzymes.
pH Strip
A small piece of paper treated with a chemical indicator that changes color to show the acidity or alkalinity of a solution when dipped into it.
- Validate the placement and function of nasogastric tubes in post-operative care.
Verified Answer
KV
Kristiana VirayMay 07, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
Checking the acidity of the NG tube aspirate using a pH strip is the most reliable method to confirm if the NG tube is in the stomach. If the aspirate is acidic (pH less than 5), it indicates that the tube is in the stomach. This is because stomach contents are acidic due to the presence of hydrochloric acid. Other methods such as listening over the stomach or connecting the NG tube to suction may not always provide accurate results. Checking for the gag reflex or asking the patient to swallow can confirm the placement of the tube in the esophagus, but not in the stomach.
Learning Objectives
- Validate the placement and function of nasogastric tubes in post-operative care.
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