A nurse is preparing to remove an NG tube for a client who is postoperative following colon surgery. In which order should the nurse perform the following steps?

(Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the order of performance. Use all the steps.)

Choice A Reason:

Verifying the bilirubin level of the tube contents is incorrect. Measuring bilirubin levels in the tube contents is not a standard or reliable method for confirming tube placement. It's not an established or recommended technique for this purpose.

Choice B Reason:

Auscultating for air insufflation is incorrect. Auscultation for air insufflation involves injecting air into the tube and listening for bubbling sounds over the stomach area. While this method is commonly used, it can sometimes yield inconsistent or inconclusive results, especially in patients with certain conditions or situations where air movement might not be detectable.

Choice C Reason:

Request a chest x-ray is correct. Obtaining a chest x-ray is the most reliable method to confirm the placement of a feeding tube, especially when the tube is newly inserted or if there are any doubts about its location. A chest x-ray can accurately visualize the position of the tube within the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring it is in the intended location before any feedings or medications are administered.

Choice D Reason:

Checking the pH level of gastric contents is incorrect. Measuring the pH level of aspirated gastric contents can provide information about the acidity of the fluid, indicating gastric placement (pH below 5) in most cases. However, the pH can be influenced by various factors like medications, enteral feeding solutions, or certain medical conditions, making it less reliable than a chest x-ray for definitive confirmation of tube placement.

Choice A Reason:

Recheck the client's SaO2 level after having the client cough and clear their throat is correct. This action is crucial to ensure the accuracy of the SaO2 reading. Sometimes, minor obstructions or secretions in the airway can momentarily affect the oxygen saturation readings. Having the client cough and clear their throat may help improve the SaO2 readings by clearing any temporary blockages.

Choice B Reason:

Review the client's most recent SaO2 level in the medical record is incorrect. While reviewing the client's history is important, the immediate priority is to verify the current SaO2 level for accuracy before taking further action.

Choice C Reason:

Notify the charge nurse of the client's condition is incorrect. While it might eventually be necessary to inform other healthcare team members, the immediate action should focus on rechecking the SaO2 level to ensure the client's current oxygen saturation status.

Choice D Reason:

Check the client's medical records to see which medications were recently administered is incorrect. Knowing the client's recent medications is important for assessment, but it may not directly address the current situation of shortness of breath and low oxygen saturation. Rechecking the SaO2 level takes precedence in this acute situation.