A patient has a nasogastric tube connected to low suction. The patient develops increasing abdominal distension and nausea, and no drainage appears in the collection container. What should the nurse do first?
Correct answer: A. Inspect the tubing for kinks and check the suction connection
- A. Inspect the tubing for kinks and check the suction connection
- B. Flush the tube forcefully with a large volume of water
- C. Increase the suction pressure without checking the equipment
- D. Remove the tube immediately and offer oral fluids
Explanation
The nurse first checks whether a simple equipment problem is preventing drainage, such as kinked tubing or a disconnected suction source. Forceful flushing, increasing suction, or removing the tube could cause harm without establishing the cause.
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About Clinical Judgement and Prioritisation
Clinical judgement links assessment findings, nursing knowledge and patient responses to a safe decision. Coverage includes ABCDE assessment, recognising actual or potential instability, prioritising airway, breathing and circulation, using urgency and risk rather than routine order, reassessing after intervention, and distinguishing a nursing priority from a medical diagnosis or a task that can wait.
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