Final answer:
The correct answer is True. Patients with a gastric tube in place may still be at increased risk of aspiration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is a) True.
A gastric tube is a medical device inserted through the nose or mouth into the stomach to provide nutrition or access for suctioning. Although it is designed to prevent aspiration by draining gastric contents and preventing them from entering the lungs, there is still a risk of aspiration in patients with a gastric tube in place.
Aspiration occurs when substances, such as food or liquids, enter the airway and lungs instead of going into the stomach. This can lead to lung infections, pneumonia, and other complications. Patients with gastric tubes may still be at increased risk of aspiration due to factors such as improper positioning of the tube, dislodgement, or malfunction.