Questions: A client is to have an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series. Which nursing action would be done concerning the procedure? Answer Options (1) Monitor for a return of the gag reflex after the procedure. (2) Obtain a clear liquid diet for 2 days before the procedure. (3) Administer a laxative after the procedure because barium was administered. (4) Obtain a signed consent because an iodine-based radiopaque dye will be used.

The answer is the third one (3): Administer a laxative after the procedure because barium was administered.

Explanation for each option:

1. Monitor for a return of the gag reflex after the procedure.
   This option is incorrect. Monitoring for the return of the gag reflex is typically associated with procedures involving sedation or anesthesia, such as an endoscopy, where the throat is numbed. An upper GI series does not involve sedation that affects the gag reflex.

2. Obtain a clear liquid diet for 2 days before the procedure.
   This option is incorrect. While dietary restrictions may be advised before an upper GI series, a clear liquid diet for 2 days is not typically required. Patients are usually instructed to fast (no food or drink) for a certain period before the procedure, often starting the night before.

3. Administer a laxative after the procedure because barium was administered.
   This option is correct. After an upper GI series, which involves the ingestion of barium, a laxative is often administered to help expel the barium from the body. Barium can cause constipation if not adequately cleared from the intestines.

4. Obtain a signed consent because an iodine-based radiopaque dye will be used.
   This option is incorrect. An upper GI series uses barium, not an iodine-based dye. Therefore, the specific concern about iodine-based dye and consent related to it is not applicable in this context.

In summary, the correct nursing action concerning an upper GI series is to administer a laxative after the procedure to help eliminate the barium from the patient's system.