Evolve HESI Practice Exam

What is the purpose of using a nasogastric tube for medication administration?

1. To provide nutritional support.

2. To prevent aspiration during intake.

3. To ensure medications are delivered directly to the stomach.

4. To manage gastric pH levels.

The correct answer is: To ensure medications are delivered directly to the stomach.

The purpose of using a nasogastric tube for medication administration primarily revolves around ensuring that medications are delivered directly to the stomach, which allows for effective absorption and therapeutic action. This method is particularly beneficial when a patient cannot take oral medications due to dysphagia, unconsciousness, or gastrointestinal issues. By using a nasogastric tube, healthcare providers can bypass potential barriers related to oral intake and deliver medications in a controlled manner. Administering medication through a nasogastric tube guarantees that the drugs bypass the mouth and esophagus, reducing the risk of improper ingestion or delayed absorption that might occur with oral medications. This direct delivery method is crucial in both emergency situations and in managing chronic conditions in patients who require long-term medication administration. Although other options may have their own significance in clinical practice, they do not relate directly to the primary goal of using a nasogastric tube for medication administration, which is to ensure that medications reach the stomach for optimal absorption.