What is the nurse's priority action when encountering a patient with a nasogastric tube that has green drainage?

In the scenario of a patient with a nasogastric tube that has green drainage, the priority action is to assess for abdominal distension. This is crucial because green drainage can indicate the presence of bile, which may suggest that the gastrointestinal tract is compromised or that there is a blockage or other underlying issue. Assessing for abdominal distension allows the nurse to evaluate the patient's condition more thoroughly, potentially detecting complications such as an obstruction, ileus, or other abdominal issues that may require immediate intervention.

Identifying the cause of green drainage through assessment will guide subsequent actions, such as notifying the physician or adjusting the feeding plan. Therefore, the assessment is the foundational step before deciding on further measures. In this context, assessing the patient’s abdomen provides valuable information that could influence the management plan.