a patient is transferred to the unit after pl...
a patient is transferred to the unit after placement of a nasogastric tube. the patient had been receiving cimetidine while not taking food by mouth for four days. the nurse aspirates fluid from the tube to check the ph prior to starting a cyclic feeding and obtains 10 ml of tan fluid with a ph is 8. which action will the nurse take next?\nflush the tube with 30 ml water.\nhold the feeding and recheck in an hour.\ninitiate the feeding at the prescribed rate.\nreport findings to the healthcare provider.
Answer
# Brief Explanations:
A pH of 8 in aspirated nasogastric tube fluid is abnormal (gastric pH is usually 1 - 4). This may indicate the tube is in the lungs or another non - gastric location. The nurse should report this to the healthcare provider for further assessment and guidance. Flushing the tube, holding the feeding and rechecking later, or initiating the feeding without further assessment are inappropriate as the tube placement may be incorrect.
# Answer:
Report findings to the healthcare provider.