The term gavage indicates?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2019

Explanation

Gavage is the medical term for administering nutrition in liquid form directly into the stomach.
This procedure is commonly known as tube feeding.
It is indicated for patients who cannot swallow or take food orally, such as unconscious patients, those with dysphagia, or after certain surgeries.
A flexible tube, like a nasogastric (NG) tube, is inserted through the nose or mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach to deliver the feeding.

Option B: This describes a gastroscopy, which is a diagnostic procedure to visually inspect the stomach lining using a flexible camera (endoscope).
Option C: This describes gastric lavage, which means to 'wash out' the stomach. It is often used in cases of poisoning or overdose to remove toxic substances.
Option D: This describes a gastrostomy, which is a surgical procedure to create an opening (stoma) from the abdomen to the stomach for long-term feeding.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of Gavage and Related Gastric Procedures as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A primary nursing responsibility during gavage is preventing aspiration pneumonia, a serious complication. Elevating the head of the bed is a critical safety measure.
Accurate verification of tube placement before every feeding is non-negotiable to prevent accidental administration of formula into the lungs.
Nurses must monitor for signs of feeding intolerance (e.g., high gastric residual volume, bloating, diarrhea) and adjust the feeding plan as per protocol or physician's orders.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core term in the question, which is 'gavage'.
This is a definition-based question, so the task is to recall the precise medical meaning of this term.
Evaluate each option to see which one accurately defines 'gavage'.
Differentiate 'gavage' (feeding) from similar-sounding but functionally different procedures like 'lavage' (washing), 'gastroscopy' (viewing), and 'gastrostomy' (surgical opening) to confidently eliminate the incorrect options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 2 pp. 89-91, 100-102

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