8. A nurse is assessing a client who had an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The first priority for the nurse should be:
8. A nurse is assessing a client who had an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The first priority for the nurse should be:
. Checking for bowel sounds.
. Giving warm gargles for a sore throat.
. Administering pain medication.
. Monitoring for return of the gag reflex.
Test-Taking Tip
What is safest for the client?
Content Area: Adult Health, Gastrointestinal; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/Diagnostic Tests
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Answer 1 is incorrect because the scope passes through the lumen of the upper GI tract. Alteration in bowel sounds would not be expected. Answer 2 is incorrect because the throat may be sore from the tube as the anesthetic wears off. Avoid putting anything in the mouth until the gag reflex returns. Answer 3 is incorrect because pain medications would have been given during the procedure, but after the procedure is completed, continued pain would not be expected. Answer 4 is correct because, to pass the scope down through the esophagus, the gag reflex is suppressed by spraying an anesthetic on the back of the throat. After the procedure, nothing should be taken orally until the gag reflex has returned.