What should the nurse do first for a client with a nasogastric tube attached to low suction who reports nausea and no drainage in two hours?

When a client with a nasogastric tube attached to low suction reports nausea and has no drainage for an extended period, repositioning the client on her side is an appropriate and immediate action. This maneuver can help facilitate gastric drainage by utilizing gravity, potentially allowing the tube to better function and help relieve the nausea. Gravity can assist with allowing any amassed gastric contents to flow out through the tube if the tube is not obstructed.

Additionally, repositioning may relieve any pressure or leverage against the tube that could be contributing to a blockage or hindrance in drainage. While other actions such as irrigating the tube or advancing it may be considered later if the problem persists, they might not have an immediate effect on the patient's symptoms. Administering an antiemetic may also assist with nausea, but it does not address the issue of drainage or the potential obstruction of the tube. Therefore, repositioning first can be an effective and less invasive approach to encourage proper function of the nasogastric tube.