Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Care of Patients with Esophageal Problems Related

Review Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Care of Patients with Esophageal Problems related questions and content

A client has returned to the nursing unit after an open Nissen fundoplication. The client has an indwelling urinary catheter, a nasogastric (NG) tube to low continuous suction, and two IVs. The nurse notes bright red blood in the NG tube. What action should the nurse take first?

  • A. Document the findings in the chart.
  • B. Notify the surgeon immediately.
  • C. Reassess the drainage in 1 hour.
  • D. Take a full set of vital signs.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Bright red blood in the NG tube indicates possible bleeding, which requires immediate assessment. Taking vital signs first helps evaluate for shock, which is a priority before notifying the surgeon. Documentation and reassessment are secondary actions.