Question

A nurse is performing gastric lavage for a client who has GI bleeding and an NG in place. Nursing action?

A. Use ice water for lavage to decrease bleeding.
B. Administer activated charcoal via NG tube.
C. Monitor the client's oxygen saturation continuously.
D. Elevate the head of the bed to a high Fowler's position.

Answer 1

The nursing action that should be taken when performing gastric lavage for a client who has GI bleeding and an NG tube is to elevate the head of the bed to a high Fowler's position.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nursing action that should be taken when performing gastric lavage for a client who has GI bleeding and an NG tube in place is to elevate the head of the bed to a high Fowler's position. This position helps to prevent aspiration and facilitates the drainage of gastric contents.

Using ice water for lavage to decrease bleeding (option A) is not recommended as it can cause vasoconstriction and worsen bleeding. Administering activated charcoal via NG tube (option B) is used in cases of poison ingestion, not for GI bleeding. Monitoring the client's oxygen saturation continuously (option C) is important for general patient care, but it is not directly related to gastric lavage in this situation.