When giving a medicine through a nasogastric (NG) tube, which ...

[s.tung]

When giving a medicine through a nasogastric (NG) tube, which will the nurse do first?
 
  a. Flush the tube with 30 mL of water.
  b. Check placement of the tube.
  c. Take the vital signs.
  d. Ask the patient if the tube is painful.

Question 2

A patient is recovering from bronchitis. He is producing large amounts of thick mucus, especially in the mornings. What might the nurse expect the physician to do?
 
  a. Suggest he drink a glass of water with each meal.
  b. Suggest he drink two glasses of orange juice daily.
  c. Order an expectorant and tell the patient to force fluids.
  d. Order an antitussive.

[qytan]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Make certain that the NG tube is in the stomach. Aspirate (take out) stomach contents with a syringe, or inject (put in) 5 to 10 mL of air into the tube and listen for a gurgling sound in the abdominal area. This may be heard by placing a stethoscope over the stomach.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Expectorants decrease the thickness of respiratory secretions and aid in their removal. The patient should also take an increased amount of fluid each day and breathe humidified air. This will help liquefy secretions.