A client has returned to the nursing unit after an open Nissen ...

[humphriesbr@me.com]

A client has returned to the nursing unit after an open Nissen fundoplication. The client has an indwelling urinary catheter, a nasogastric (NG) tube to low continuous suction, and two IVs. The nurse notes bright red blood in the NG tube.
 
  What action should the nurse take first?
  a.
  Document the findings in the chart.
  b.
  Notify the surgeon immediately.
  c.
  Reassess the drainage in 1 hour.
  d.
  Take a full set of vital signs.

Question 2

A client has been taught about alginic acid and sodium bicarbonate (Gaviscon). What statement by the client indicates that teaching has been effective?
 
  a. I can only take this medicine at night.
  b. I should take this on a full stomach.
  c. This drug decreases stomach acid.
  d. This should be taken 1 hour before meals.

[gcook]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The drainage in the NG tube should initially be brown with old blood. The presence of bright red blood indicates bleeding. The nurse should take a set of vital signs to assess for shock and then notify the surgeon. Documentation should occur but is not the first thing the nurse should do. The nurse should not wait an additional hour to reassess.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Gaviscon should be taken with food in the stomach. It can be taken with meals at any time. Its mechanism of action is not to decrease stomach acid.

[humphriesbr@me.com]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[bitingbit]

TYSM