Answer :
The physician orders a client with a nasogastric tube to be placed on intermittent suctioning. The nurse understands this order to mean 2) suctioning that alternates between gastric tube suction force and release of suction.
This method helps prevent continuous negative pressure which could potentially damage gastric mucosa. It ensures that the gastric contents are intermittently removed, reducing the risk of complications such as mucosal irritation and ulceration.
For instance, during intermittent suctioning, the suction is applied for a specific period, then released, allowing for normal gastric peristalsis to occur. This is notably different from continuous suctioning, which could lead to excessive fluid and electrolyte loss.
The correct question is:
The physician orders a client with a nasogastric tube to be placed on intermittent suctioning. The nurse understands this order to mean which of the following?
- Continuous suctioning of the gastric tube at all time
- Suctioning that alternates between gastric tube suction force and release of suction
- Suctioning that alternates between continuous gastric tube suction force for 2 hours, followed by 2 hours of release
- Suctioning that alternates between high continuous and low continuous suction force
