A complication of nasogastric tube insertion for decompression of gastric contents is “silent aspiration”. This complication involves the accumulation of gastric contents over a period of time. The nurse should watch out for which one of the following manifestations of silent aspiration?
Explanation
Answer: C - Restlessness and irritability are the manifestations of silent aspiration. When a nasogastric tube is not functioning well, it allows the accumulation of gastric contents in the stomach, causing silent aspiration. This condition results from reflux of gastric content into the air passage. Silent aspiration may occur unnoticed and not present outwardly. However, in some cases, restlessness and irritability may be noted. Sudden shortness of breath, sudden hypotension and tachycardia as well as abrupt changes in mental status are characteristic of fluid aspiration.
