A nurse is caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube and tests the pH of the secretions to verify correct placement of the tube.
What pH reading should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale

Using soap to clean the patient’s skin is not the best practice. Soap can dry out and irritate the skin, especially in patients with urinary incontinence. It can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance and make it more susceptible to damage.

Choice B rationale

Applying a barrier cream to the patient’s skin is a recommended practice. Barrier creams provide a protective layer on the skin that can help prevent irritation from urine. They can also help to keep the skin moisturized, which is important for maintaining skin integrity.

Choice C rationale

Avoiding friction when drying the patient’s skin is crucial. Friction can cause further damage to the skin, especially in areas that are already irritated or broken down due to incontinence. It’s recommended to gently pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it.

Choice D rationale

Using warm water to clean the patient’s skin is a good practice. Warm water is less irritating to the skin than hot water and can help to cleanse the area without causing additional discomfort or damage.

Choice A rationale

Measuring the bladder before the patient voids would not provide an accurate measurement of postvoid residual, which is the amount of urine left in the bladder after voiding.

Choice B rationale

The position of the head of the bed does not directly impact the measurement of postvoid residual. However, the patient should be in a comfortable position during the procedure.

Choice C rationale

Similar to Choice B, the position of the head of the bed does not directly impact the measurement of postvoid residual.

Choice D rationale

Measuring the bladder within 15 minutes after the patient voids allows for an accurate measurement of postvoid residual, which can help assess bladder function.