A nurse is caring for a client who came to the emergency department with abdominal distention and is now on the medical-surgical unit with an NG tube in place to low gastric suction. The client is reporting anxiety, discomfort, and a feeling of bloating. Which of the following is the nurse's priority action?

The priority action in this scenario is to check and see if the equipment is working. Given that the client has an NG tube in place to low gastric suction and is experiencing discomfort and bloating, it is crucial for the nurse to ensure that the NG tube is functioning properly. If the tube is blocked or not properly suctioning, the accumulated gastric contents could lead to increased bloating and discomfort, contributing to the client's anxiety.

By checking the equipment first, the nurse can address a potential underlying problem that could be causing the client’s symptoms. If the NG tube is not working adequately, taking corrective action can alleviate the client's physical symptoms and subsequently help reduce their anxiety related to the situation. Thus, ensuring proper functioning of the NG tube is essential in providing effective care and addressing the client’s immediate needs.

Reassuring the client or administering medication may be appropriate in the context of managing their anxiety or discomfort, but these actions would be more effective once it is confirmed that the NG tube is functioning properly. Documenting feelings is important for record-keeping and continuity of care, but it does not address the immediate physical discomfort the client is experiencing. Prioritizing the evaluation of the NG tube addresses a potentially serious concern that can lead to significant improvement in the