Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 91%
Simulated
A client has had a nasointestinal (NI) tube in place for 24 hours. Which assessment finding indicates that the tube is properly located in the intestine?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The nasogastric (NG) or NI tube is used to decompress the intestine and correct a bowel obstruction. Nausea should subside as decompression is accomplished. The pH of the gastric fluid is acidic, and the pH of the intestinal fluid is alkaline (7 or higher). Although bowel sounds will be abnormal in the presence of obstruction, the presence or absence of bowel sounds is not associated with the location of the tube. The end of the tube should be located in the intestine (below the pylorus). Location of the tube can also be determined by radiographs.