While assessing placement of a nasogastric tube (NGT), the nurse aspirates cloudy green fluid into a syringe. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Send fluid specimen to the lab.
Withdraw the NGT and reinsert.
Connect the NGT to wall suction.
Determine pH value of specimen.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A
Sending fluid specimen to the lab should be implemented. Cloudy green fluid aspirated from a nasogastric tube (NGT) can indicate that the tube is in the wrong place, likely in the respiratory tract (trachea) instead of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach). The green colour suggests the presence of bile, which is normally found in the stomach but not in the respiratory tract. This is a serious situation that requires immediate attention.
The most appropriate intervention in this case is to send the fluid specimen to the lab for analysis. This is important for confirmation of the content and to guide further steps. The nurse should also consult the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course of action, which might involve removing and reinserting the NGT correctly.
Choice B
Withdrawing the NGT and reinsert should not be implemented. If the NGT is in the wrong place, reinserting it without further assessment could worsen the situation. The nurse should not reinsert the NGT until the correct placement is confirmed.
Choice C
Connecting the NGT to wall suction should not be implemented. Connecting the NGT to wall suction without verifying its placement could cause harm, especially if the tube is in the respiratory tract.
Choice D
Determine pH value of specimen should not be implemented. While assessing the pH of aspirated fluid can help confirm the location of the NGT, sending the specimen to the lab for analysis is a more comprehensive action in this situation, as it allows for more detailed examination and guidance for appropriate next steps.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
1 whole-wheat tortilla, 4 oz chicken breast, 4 of an avocados, 1/4 cup of salsa
1030
1 cup coffee, 2 tbsp half and half, 1 small apple, 1 tbsp almond butter
1200
1 cup spinach, 4 oz ground turkey with taco seasoning. 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, 2 bananas
1500
6 cashews
1900
1 cup regular soda, 6 oz white fish, 1/2 white potato, 2 tbsp butter, 1⁄2 cup green beans
2200
1⁄2 cup fat-free yogurt, 1/4 cup blueberries
Correct Answer is ["455"]
Explanation
-
Intake:
- 8 oz of orange juice = 240 mL
- 1 cup of soup = 240 mL
- 1/2 cup of apple juice = 120 mL
- 12 oz can of soft drink = 355 mL
- Total intake = 240 + 240 + 120 + 355 = 955 mL
-
Output:
- Voided 150 mL
- Vomitus 100 mL
- Voided 250 mL
- Total output = 150 + 100 + 250 = 500 mL
-
Fluid Balance:
- Fluid balance = Intake - Output = 955 - 500 = 455 mL
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