NGT Feeds vs Suction

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello! Had a question maybe some of you guys could help me with as I prepare for my NCLEX exam thats coming up Anyways, when answering questions related to NGT, some are never specified if the tubing in is pace for decompression or nutrition, making it really difficult answering the question.

For example: A client has a nasogastric tube in place after extensive abdominal surgery. The client complains of nausea. The nurse notes the client's abdomen is distended and there are no bowel sounds. Which of the following actions should the nurse take FIRST?

None of the answers gave a hint as to whether it was tube feeds or to suction. Now cause it was an 'extensive surgery,' I'm assuming it was hooked up to suction, but how do I know? I guess my question is what type of patients should I suspect on suction, as I know tube feeds are for those who need supplemental/full nutrition for various reasons. Hoping I worded this correctly to get my confusion across! I appreciate any and all help, thank you in advance!!! :)

Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

One of the few NCLEX taking tips I did get out of school was

"The first thing the RN does is: Assess".

If you use that principle, both #3 & 4 could be correct, but #3 is more generic whereas #4 has not in the past proven to be a reliable method of determining placement.

Specializes in CVICU, CCU, Heart Transplant.

Just a word of advice, don't over-read into the questions-- it says nothing about tube feeds.

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