A nurse is caring for a client who requires emergency treatment for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. An NG tube is inserted, and gastric lavage is prescribed. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Rationale: A. A supine position increases the risk of aspiration of gastric contents, especially in a client with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The recommended positioning is typically head of bed elevated or side-lying (often left lateral) to help protect the airway and facilitate drainage of gastric contents during lavage. B. Gastric lavage is performed using room-temperature normal saline, not tap water, to reduce electrolyte imbalance and prevent irritation of the gastric mucosa. Additionally, 400 mL is an excessively large single instillation volume; lavage is typically done in smaller, controlled aliquots to avoid gastric distention and aspiration risk. C. The goal of gastric lavage in upper GI bleeding is to clear blood and return relatively clear or non-bloody aspirate. Yellow gastric content suggests bile, which is not the target endpoint of lavage and does not indicate successful clearing of hemorrhage. D. After an episode of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, an NG tube may be left in place for ongoing decompression, monitoring of recurrent bleeding, and prevention of gastric distention. Providing this information is appropriate nursing care because it prepares the client for continued management and reduces anxiety about the presence of the tube.