Gastric irrigation is also known as:

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2022

Explanation

Gastric irrigation is the medical procedure for flushing out the contents of the stomach, primarily used for decontamination after poisoning or overdose.
The common term for this procedure is a 'stomach wash'.
The medical term for this procedure is gastric lavage.
It involves instilling fluid into the stomach via a tube and then aspirating it back out.

Option A: Gastric feeding, or gavage, is the administration of nutrients into the stomach, which is the opposite of removing contents.
Option B: Gastric intubation is the act of inserting a tube into the stomach. It is a necessary step for gastric irrigation but is not the irrigation procedure itself.
Option D: Drug administration is the process of giving medication. While a gastric tube can be a route for this, it is not synonymous with washing the stomach.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Synonyms and definitions of gastrointestinal procedures helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Gastric lavage is a critical intervention in emergency medicine, particularly in toxicology, but its use has become more selective due to risks like aspiration pneumonia, esophageal perforation, and electrolyte imbalance.
Nurses must be vigilant in monitoring the patient's vital signs, level of consciousness, and respiratory status throughout the procedure.
What if? If the patient is unconscious or has an absent gag reflex, the procedure should not be started until the airway is protected with an endotracheal tube to prevent life-threatening aspiration.

How to Approach the Question

First, understand the term in the question stem: 'Gastric irrigation' means to wash or flush the stomach.
Next, evaluate each option to see which one is a synonym or accurately describes this action.
Option A, 'Gastric feeding', is about putting food in, not washing out.
Option B, 'Gastric intubation', is only the insertion of the tube, not the washing process.
Option C, 'Stomach wash', is a direct and common synonym for gastric irrigation.
Option D, 'Drug administration', is about giving medicine, a different procedure.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 2 p. 89-91

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 752-754

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