A patient returns from surgery with a nasogastric tube and intermittent gastric suction to provide abdominal decompression.Which of the following are correct nursing activities for managing the equipment and drainage? Select all that apply.

A) Wear nonsterile procedure gloves when emptying the drainage container.
B) When irrigating the nasogastric tube, use sterile water.
C) Wear sterile gloves when irrigating the nasogastric tube.
D) Apply water-soluble lubricant if the patient's lips are dry.

Nonsterile procedure gloves are to protect the nurse and other patients against microorganisms that might be present in body fluids; wearing them is in observance of standard precautions.For patients with an NG tube,frequent oral care,including water-soluble lubricant for dry lips,is important.Sterile gloves are not needed for irrigating the NG tube because the nasal passages,esophagus,and stomach are not sterile.Sterile normal saline and a sterile syringe are used for irrigation,however.Sterile water is not used; saline compensates for electrolytes lost through NG drainage.