For a client with an intestinal obstruction receiving continuous GI decompression with an NG tube, which intervention is appropriate?

For a client with an intestinal obstruction receiving continuous GI decompression with an NG tube, which intervention is appropriate?

• A. Measure abdominal girth daily.
• B. Use sterile water to irrigate.
• C. Maintain client in Fowler's position.
• D. Moisten lips with lemon-glycerin swabs.

Answer: (C)

Maintaining an elevated head of bed (Fowler’s position) is important when a client has an intestinal obstruction with a continuous NG tube for decompression. Elevating the patient helps protect the airway by reducing the risk of aspiration if vomiting occurs, and it also aids the NG tube in draining gastric contents by using gravity to support effective decompression. This position directly supports both safety (airway protection) and the tube’s function (drainage). Other actions aren’t as aligned with the primary needs here. Measuring abdominal girth daily isn’t a routine priority for NG decompression care and doesn’t directly affect drainage or airway protection. Irrigating with sterile water isn’t standard unless specifically ordered and can disrupt suction or introduce infection. Mouth care matters, but lemon-glycerin swabs can be drying and aren’t essential to the decompression goal, whereas positioning directly influences the most critical aspects of care in this scenario.

Maintaining an elevated head of bed (Fowler’s position) is important when a client has an intestinal obstruction with a continuous NG tube for decompression. Elevating the patient helps protect the airway by reducing the risk of aspiration if vomiting occurs, and it also aids the NG tube in draining gastric contents by using gravity to support effective decompression. This position directly supports both safety (airway protection) and the tube’s function (drainage).

Other actions aren’t as aligned with the primary needs here. Measuring abdominal girth daily isn’t a routine priority for NG decompression care and doesn’t directly affect drainage or airway protection. Irrigating with sterile water isn’t standard unless specifically ordered and can disrupt suction or introduce infection. Mouth care matters, but lemon-glycerin swabs can be drying and aren’t essential to the decompression goal, whereas positioning directly influences the most critical aspects of care in this scenario.