What is the primary goal during gastric lavage for a client with GI bleeding?

The primary goal during gastric lavage for a client with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is to cleanse and irrigate the stomach. This procedure involves the insertion of a tube into the stomach, followed by the infusion of a sterile solution, typically saline, to flush out any blood, clots, or irritants present in the stomach. By doing so, it helps to provide relief from further gastrointestinal irritation and allows for better visualization and assessment of the bleeding source during subsequent diagnostic procedures.

This process is crucial in managing acute GI bleeding, as it can help stabilize the patient and improve the overall clinical picture. Cleansing the stomach can also prevent the ingestion of large amounts of blood, which can lead to additional complications such as aspiration.

The other options do not align with the primary goal of gastric lavage. While medications can be administered via the tube, that is not the main objective of this procedure. Promoting abdominal distention is unrelated to the goals of gastric lavage, as the procedure actually aims to eliminate contents rather than encourage distention. Similarly, gastric lavage does not facilitate nutrient absorption; in fact, it temporarily removes contents that could be potentially absorbed.