Nursing: Advanced NG Tube & Gastrointestinal
Decompression Management | Section 1:
Anatomy, Physiology, and Indications.
1. Which of the following accurately describes the primary physiological purpose of low
intermittent suction on a vented nasogastric tube?
A. To promote gastric motility
B. To decompress the stomach and prevent accumulation of gastric secretions
C. To deliver enteral nutrition directly into the small intestine
D. To measure intra-abdominal pressure
**Answer:** B. To decompress the stomach and prevent accumulation of gastric
secretions
2. A client with a suspected bowel obstruction is most likely to benefit from NG tube
placement for which primary reason?
A. Prevention of aspiration pneumonia
B. Gastric decompression and relief of distention
C. Administration of oral contrast media
D. Continuous enteral feeding
**Answer:** B. Gastric decompression and relief of distention
, 3. The pyloric sphincter regulates the passage of chyme into the duodenum. When this
sphincter is functionally obstructed, which complication is most expected with an NG
tube on suction?
A. Metabolic alkalosis
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Respiratory acidosis
**Answer:** A. Metabolic alkalosis
4. SATA: Which of the following are appropriate indications for insertion of a nasogastric
tube?
A. Severe nausea and vomiting
B. Acute pancreatitis with ileus
C. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding
D. Stable dysphagia requiring long-term nutrition
E. Gastric outlet obstruction
**Answer:** A, B, C, E
5. The nurse understands that a Salem sump tube is classified as a:
A. Single-lumen feeding tube
B. Double-lumen vented decompression tube
C. Weighted jejunal tube
D. Triple-lumen gastrostomy tube
**Answer:** B. Double-lumen vented decompression tube