The nurse is preparing to administer medication using a client’s nasogastric tube. Which actions should the nurse take before administering the medication? Select all that apply.

Choice A Reason:

A rosebud-like stoma orifice is a normal finding for a newly created colostomy. This appearance indicates that the stoma is healthy and well-formed. The stoma should protrude slightly from the abdomen and have a pink or red color, similar to the inside of the mouth. This indicates good blood flow and proper healing. Therefore, a rosebud-like stoma orifice does not need to be reported to the provider.

Choice B Reason:

A stoma oozing red drainage can be concerning, but it is not uncommon for a new stoma to have some minor bleeding or oozing, especially in the immediate postoperative period. This can occur due to the delicate nature of the tissue and the recent surgical intervention. However, if the drainage is excessive or persistent, it should be monitored closely and reported if it does not improve. Minor oozing is generally expected and does not necessarily indicate a serious problem.

Choice C Reason:

A shiny, moist stoma is a normal finding and indicates that the stoma is healthy. The stoma should be moist and have a shiny appearance, similar to the inside of the mouth. This moisture is necessary for the proper function and health of the stoma. Therefore, a shiny, moist stoma does not need to be reported to the provider.

Choice D Reason:

A purplish-colored stoma is an abnormal finding and should be reported to the provider immediately. This discoloration can indicate compromised blood flow to the stoma, which can lead to tissue necrosis if not addressed promptly. A healthy stoma should be pink or red, indicating good blood circulation. Any deviation from this color, especially a purplish or dark color, is a sign of potential ischemia or other serious complications that require immediate medical attention.

Choice A: Lean on your back with your knees bent.

Reason: This instruction is incorrect. Pursed lip breathing is typically performed in a seated position with the neck and shoulders relaxed. Lying on your back with knees bent is not a recommended position for this breathing technique.

Choice B: Use your abdominal muscles to squeeze air out of your lungs.

Reason: This instruction is correct. Using the abdominal muscles helps to expel air more effectively from the lungs, which is a key component of pursed lip breathing. This technique helps to improve ventilation and reduce the work of breathing.

Choice C: Breathe out slowly without puffing your cheeks.

Reason: This instruction is correct. Breathing out slowly through pursed lips without puffing the cheeks helps to keep the airways open longer, allowing more air to be expelled from the lungs. This technique is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory conditions.

Choice D: Focus on inhaling and holding your breath as long as you can.

Reason: This instruction is incorrect. The focus of pursed lip breathing is on controlled exhalation rather than holding the breath. Inhaling should be done slowly through the nose, and exhaling should be prolonged through pursed lips.

Choice E: Exhale at least twice the amount of time it took to breathe in.

Reason: This instruction is correct. The exhalation phase should be longer than the inhalation phase, typically taking at least twice as long. This helps to improve the efficiency of breathing and reduce shortness of breath.

Choice F: Open your mouth and breathe deeply.

Reason: This instruction is incorrect. Pursed lip breathing involves breathing in through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips. Opening the mouth and breathing deeply is not part of this technique.