The nurse must insert a nasogastric (NG) tube into a patient with a bowel obstruction. Before inserting the tube, the nurse must explain the procedure to the patient

Question

Which explanation by the nurse is best? Assume that all provide correct information.
a. "I'm going to insert an NG tube and connect it to low Gomco to keep your stomach empty."
b. "I'm going to insert a tube through your nose into your stomach to prevent you from vomiting."
c. "I'm going to insert an NG tube through your nares to suction your secretions and prevent emesis."
d. "Hold still, please; I need to elevate the head of the bed and insert this tube."

Answer 1

B
Because patients are typically confused by medical terminology, the nurse should use language that the patient can understand. "NG tube," "Gomco," "suction secretions," "nares," and "emesis" are all medical jargon that the patient might not understand. Moreover, the nurse should explain all procedures before performing them to help minimize the patient's anxiety. "Hold still, please . . ." offers no explanation of the reason that the NG tube is being inserted.