A nurse is preparing to insert a nasogastric tube for a client who has a prescription for gastric decompression. Which of the following supplies should the nurse obtain prior to the procedure?

A. Oil-based lubricant: Oil-based lubricants are not recommended for nasogastric tube insertion because they can increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia if inadvertently inhaled. Water-soluble lubricants are preferred, as they are safer if aspirated and do not interfere with mucosal integrity. B. Enteric feeding pump: An enteric feeding pump is used for controlled delivery of enteral nutrition, not for gastric decompression. Gastric decompression typically involves connecting the tube to low intermittent suction to remove air or gastric contents. C. Sterile gloves: Clean, not sterile, gloves are generally sufficient for nasogastric tube insertion unless the client is immunocompromised or a sterile field is otherwise required. The procedure does not involve entering a sterile body cavity. D. pH strips: pH strips are essential to verify correct placement of the nasogastric tube by testing the acidity of aspirated gastric contents. Gastric fluid typically has a pH of 5 or less, which helps confirm proper positioning before initiating suction or other interventions.