Before insertion of a nasogastric (NG) tube, of which finding should the physician be notified?
a. Patent nares
b. Absent bowel sounds
c. Evident gag reflex
d. Impaired swallowing
B
Absent bowel sounds may indicate decreased or absent peristalsis and increased risk for aspiration. A finding of patent nares rules out obstruction or irritated nares, septal defect, or facial fracture and does not need to be reported to the physician because it is a "normal" finding. The nurse should assess the patient for a gag reflex to determine the patient's ability to swallow and to discern whether a greater risk for aspiration exists. An evident gag reflex is a normal finding and does not need to be reported to the physician. Impaired swallowing is the probable reason for insertion of the NG tube.
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A) Diabetes B) Peptic ulcer disease C) Liver disease D) Unstable angina
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In preindustrial America, even untrained people could practice medicine.
a. true b. false