A nurse is admitting a client who has suspected appendicitis. Which of the following findings is the nurse’s priority to report to the provider?

Choice A Reason

“Tube drainage should be rust-colored.” This statement is incorrect. Normal NG tube drainage is typically greenish-yellow due to bile or clear if it is from the stomach. Rust-colored drainage could indicate bleeding and should be reported immediately.

Choice B Reason

“Nutrition will be provided through the tube.” This statement is incorrect. While NG tubes can be used for feeding, in the context of a postoperative colectomy, the primary purpose of the NG tube is usually to decompress the stomach and prevent nausea and vomiting. Enteral feeding is typically done through a different type of tube, such as a nasojejunal tube.

Choice C Reason

“The tube decreases pressure within the stomach.” This is the correct statement. An NG tube is often used postoperatively to decompress the stomach, which helps to reduce pressure, prevent vomiting, and allow the gastrointestinal tract to heal.

Choice D Reason

“The tube should be irrigated with sterile water.” This statement is partially correct but needs context. NG tubes should be irrigated to maintain patency, but the type of solution (sterile water, saline) can vary based on hospital protocol. The primary focus here is on the purpose of the NG tube rather than the irrigation technique.

Choice A Reason:

Stress incontinence occurs when urine leaks due to pressure on the bladder from activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. It is typically associated with weakened pelvic floor muscles or urethral sphincter deficiency. However, it does not usually involve a palpable bladder or frequent leakage of small amounts of urine.

Choice B Reason:

Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, is characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine. This condition is often caused by involuntary bladder contractions. While it involves frequent urination, it does not typically present with a palpable bladder.

Choice C Reason:

Functional incontinence occurs when a person is unable to reach the toilet in time due to physical or mental impairments, such as severe arthritis or dementia. This type of incontinence is not related to bladder function itself and does not involve a palpable bladder.

Choice D Reason:

Overflow incontinence is characterized by the frequent leakage of small amounts of urine due to an overfilled bladder that cannot empty completely. This condition often results in a palpable bladder upon examination, as the bladder remains distended with urine. It is commonly seen in postoperative clients or those with conditions that obstruct urine flow or impair bladder emptying.