1

The night after an exploratory laparotomy, a patient who has a nasogastric tube attached to low suction reports nausea. A nurse should take which of the following actions first?

  • Administer the prescribed antiemetic to the patient.

  • Determine the patency of the patient’s nasogastric tube.

  • Instruct the patient to take deep breaths.

  • Assess the patient for pain