A nurse is educating a patient who has been prescribed a nasogastric tube (NG) to treat a pyloric obstruction. Which of the following reasons for the use of the nasogastric tube should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale
Documenting the bowel sounds as hypoactive is not the most appropriate action. Hypoactive bowel sounds are fewer than three bowel sound events in a minute or none at all. However, the absence of bowel sounds does not necessarily mean they are hypoactive. It could be due to other reasons such as ileus.
Choice B rationale
Administering prescribed drugs for constipation is not the immediate course of action when the nurse doesn’t hear any gurgling while listening to bowel sounds. Constipation is a condition that can cause hypoactive bowel sounds, but it’s not the only reason for the absence of bowel sounds. The nurse should first confirm the absence of bowel sounds before considering this action.
Choice C rationale

Reviewing dietary intake for the past 24 hours is not the immediate course of action. While diet can affect bowel sounds, it’s not the first step when bowel sounds are not heard. The nurse should first confirm the absence of bowel sounds before considering this action.
Choice D rationale
The correct action when the nurse doesn’t hear any gurgling while listening to bowel sounds is to continue to listen for at least another 60 seconds. Bowel sounds are produced by the movement of fluid, gas, and contents through the intestines. An absence of bowel sounds for greater than two minutes may indicate that there is no peristalsis—which implies an ileus.
Therefore, the nurse should continue to listen for at least another 60 seconds to confirm the absence of bowel sounds.

Choice A rationale
Donating blood after completing the medication regimen is not typically recommended for patients with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a bloodborne virus, and individuals with the virus should not donate blood.
Choice B rationale
Resting frequently throughout the day is a key part of self-management for patients with hepatitis B. Rest can help the body recover and fight off the virus.
Choice C rationale

Taking acetaminophen every 4 hours for discomfort is not typically recommended for patients with hepatitis B. Overuse of acetaminophen can lead to liver damage, which can be particularly harmful for individuals with liver diseases like hepatitis B56.
Choice D rationale
Consuming a high-protein diet is not typically recommended for patients with hepatitis B. A balanced diet is important for overall health, but there are no specific dietary recommendations for hepatitis B56.