The nurse is caring for a patient with a Salem sump tube for decompression. The patient displays dyspnea and reports feeling full and nauseated. What action should the nurse take first?
a. Increase suction from low to high.
b. Notify the charge nurse.
c. Irrigate the tube with normal saline.
d. Withdraw the tube about three inches.
C
Irrigation of the tube to restore patency is the first intervention when assessment indicates in-adequate decompression. The suction should remain on low. Withdrawing the tube may cause inappropriate placement. Notifying the charge nurse is not necessary at this time. Irrigating an obstructed sump tube is a standard of care.
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