Medical Surgical Nursing NCLEX RN Questions Related

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The client's family asks why the client who had a splenectomy has a nasogastric (NG) tube. An NG tube is used to:

  • A. Move the stomach away from where the spleen was removed.
  • B. Irrigate the operative site.
  • C. Decrease abdominal distention.
  • D. Assess for the gastric pH as peristalsis returns.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: An NG tube is used post-splenectomy to decompress the stomach and decrease abdominal distention, which can reduce pressure on the surgical site and promote healing. It does not move the stomach, irrigate the site, or assess gastric pH.