A male client with a nasogastric tube connected to low intermittent suction tells the nurse that his mouth is very dry. Which action should the nurse implement?

Choice A Reason: This is correct because providing comfort measures such as topical warm application and tactile massage can help reduce pain perception and promote relaxation by stimulating non-painful sensory receptors.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because assisting the client to ambulate as much as possible during waking hours can increase pain intensity and fatigue by aggravating inflamed or injured tissues. The nurse should encourage moderate physical activity within the client's tolerance level.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because determining client's subjective measure of pain using a numerical pain scale can help assess pain severity and effectiveness of pain management interventions. Pain is a subjective experience that varies among individuals.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because encouraging increased fluid intake and measuring urinary output every 8 hours are not directly related to pain management. These interventions are more relevant for clients with fluid imbalance or renal impairment.

Choice E Reason: This is correct because implementing a 24-hour schedule of routine administration of prescribed analgesic can help maintain a steady level of analgesia and prevent breakthrough pain. Chronic pain requires continuous treatment rather than on-demand administration.

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because instilling normal saline solution into the nasogastric tube can cause fluid overload, electrolyte imbalance, or aspiration. Clamping the tube for one hour can also increase the risk of aspiration and gastric distension.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because turning the suction off can cause gastric distension and discomfort. Rinsing the mouth with cool water can also increase the risk of aspiration if the client swallows some of the water.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because oral sponge toothettes are soft and gentle on the oral mucosa and can help moisten and cleanse the mouth without causing irritation or aspiration.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because teaching the client that the oral mucosa must remain dry is false and can lead to further dryness, cracking, bleeding, and infection. The oral mucosa should be kept moist and clean to prevent these complications.