Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers Related

Review Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers related questions and content

A nurse is preparing to perform a gastric lavage procedure for a patient with gastrointestinal bleeding. What action should the nurse prioritize to ensure procedural effectiveness?

  • A. Administering antacid medication to the patient before the procedure
  • B. Using lukewarm water for gastric lavage to avoid thermal injury
  • C. Limiting the lavage fluid volume to prevent fluid overload
  • D. Positioning the patient in a left lateral decubitus position during lavage
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize positioning the patient in a left lateral decubitus position during gastric lavage to ensure procedural effectiveness. This position helps to promote optimal drainage of fluid and gastric contents. Placing the patient in a left lateral position allows gravity to assist in the passage of fluid and prevents the risk of aspiration. It also helps to minimize the risk of complications such as reflux of lavage fluid into the respiratory tract. Proper positioning is essential in enhancing the success of the gastric lavage procedure and promoting patient safety.