The nurse is caring for a patient with a Miller-Abbott tube used to decompress the small bowel. Which of the following would confirm the tube is located in the small intestine?
Explanation
• The small intestine is alkaline with a pH of 7 or greater. The stomach is acidic and should have a pH lower than 7.
• A Miller-Abbott tube is inserted through the nose and advanced past the pyloric valve into the small intestine. It is used to diagnose and treat small bowel obstructions.