A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse administer an enteral feeding to a client who has an established gastrostomy tube.
Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse indicates that the charge nurse should intervene?
The nurse checks the volume of the aspirate.
The nurse checks the pH of the aspirate.
The nurse administers 15 mL of water before administering the feeding.
The nurse adds food coloring to the tube feeding.
The Correct Answer is D
This action indicates that the charge nurse should intervene because adding food coloring to the tube feeding is not recommended and can cause adverse effects such as aspiration, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.
Choice A is wrong because checking the volume of the aspirate is a correct action to assess gastric residual volume and prevent complications such as nausea, vomiting, and aspiration.
Choice B is wrong because checking the pH of the aspirate is a correct action to verify the placement of the NG tube and prevent accidental administration of enteral feeding into the lungs.
Choice C is wrong because administering 15 mL of water before administering the feeding is a correct action to flush the NG tube and prevent clogging.
Normal ranges for gastric residual volume are less than 250 mL for adults and less than 5 mL/kg for children. Normal ranges for pH of gastric aspirate are less than 5.5 for adults and less than 4 for children.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This statement indicates that the client has orthopnea, which is a sign of worsening heart failure and fluid overload. The nurse should intervene by assessing the client’s vital signs, oxygen saturation, lung sounds, and edema, and notifying the provider for possible diuretic adjustment.
Choice A is wrong because “I’m urinating in larger amounts.” is an expected outcome of taking furosemide, which is a loop diuretic that increases urine output and reduces fluid retention.
Choice C is wrong because “I suck on hard candy for my dry mouth.” is a harmless way to cope with the side effect of dry mouth caused by furosemide.
Choice D is wrong because “I’ve lost 3 pounds in the last week.” is a positive sign that the client is losing excess fluid and improving their heart failure
condition. A weight loss of 2 to 4 pounds per week is acceptable for clients taking diuretics.
Normal ranges for heart failure clients are:
- Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mmHg
- Heart rate: 60 to 100 beats per minute
- Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute
- Oxygen saturation: greater than 95%
- Weight: stable or decreasing within 2 to 4 pounds per week
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Clean the cannula prongs daily.
This is because the nasal cannula can become contaminated with bacteria and mucus, which can cause infection and irritation of the nasal mucosa. Cleaning the cannula prongs daily with soap and water can prevent these complications.
Choice A is wrong because humidifiers can help moisten the dry oxygen and prevent nasal dryness and bleeding. Humidifiers should be used for oxygen flow rates higher than 4 L/min.
Choice B is wrong because the cannula prongs should be positioned curving downward in the nose, not upward. This allows for better alignment with the natural direction of airflow and reduces the risk of dislodgement.
Choice D is wrong because keeping the oxygen tubing off the floor is not a specific action for nasal cannula use. It is a general safety measure to prevent tripping and contamination of the tubing.
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