What action should the nurse take for a hospitalized male client receiving nasogastric feedings who reports severe coughing?

In the scenario where a hospitalized male client receiving nasogastric feedings reports severe coughing, the correct action involves checking the placement of the nasogastric tube. This is essential because severe coughing can indicate that the tube may not be properly placed in the stomach, raising the risk of aspiration. By clearing the tube with air and checking the pH of fluid withdrawn from it, the nurse is taking vital steps to ensure the tube is correctly positioned.

Monitoring the pH of the fluid helps verify that the tube is in the stomach rather than the lungs or other areas which can cause complications if feeding continues. A pH of gastric contents is typically acidic (around 0-4), whereas contents from the lungs or intestines would have different pH levels. This action promotes patient safety by preventing possible aspiration pneumonia or other respiratory complications that could arise if the feeding continues with a misplaced tube.

The other options, while they have elements of care, do not adequately address the immediate concern posed by severe coughing. For instance, merely recording the incident does not address the potential risks associated with improper tube placement. Stopping the feeding is also a necessary precaution, but it should be accompanied by an assessment of tube placement to ensure no further risk. Similarly,