A nurse is inserting an NG tube for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Magnesium is important for many processes in the body, including nerve transmission and the regulation of muscle contractions, but it is not primarily used for oxygen transport.

Choice B reason: Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. The normal range for iron in the blood is typically 50 to 170 micrograms per deciliter for men and 65 to 165 micrograms per deciliter for women.

Choice C reason: Potassium is crucial for heart function and plays a key role in skeletal and smooth muscle contraction, making it important for normal digestive and muscular function, but not directly for oxygen transport.

Choice D reason: Phosphorus helps form bones and teeth and is involved in the body's utilization of carbohydrates and fats, as well as the synthesis of protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues, but it does not transport oxygen.

Choice A reason: Sterile gloves are not required for inserting an NG tube; clean gloves are sufficient as the nasal
cavity is not a sterile environment.

Choice B reason: The client should not be asked to cough while inserting the NG tube as this could disrupt the placement process. Instead, the client may be asked to swallow to facilitate the passage of the tube.

Choice C reason: Placing the client into a left lateral position is not the standard position for NG tube insertion. The
client should be in an upright or semi-Fowler's position to aid in the insertion process.

Choice D reason: Determining the length of the NG tube to be inserted is a crucial step to ensure that the tube
reaches the stomach without coiling in the esophagus or extending into the small intestine.