A client who is admitted for malnutrition and severe dehydration receives a prescription for liquid feedings through a feeding tube. After the feeding tube is inserted and placement confirmed, which assessment is most important for the nurse to complete before starting the feeding?
Confirm that bowel sounds are present.
Measure the client's total body weight.
Evaluate the client's ability to swallow.
Observe for signs of fluid volume deficit.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Before initiating tube feeding, it is crucial to ensure that the gastrointestinal system is functioning. The presence of bowel sounds indicates peristalsis, which is necessary for the digestion and absorption of the feeding.
Choice B reason: While measuring the client's total body weight is important for overall assessment and monitoring of nutritional status, it is not the most critical assessment before starting tube feeding.
Choice C reason: Evaluating the client's ability to swallow is not relevant in this scenario since the client will be receiving nutrition through a feeding tube due to malnutrition and dehydration.
Choice D reason: Observing for signs of fluid volume deficit is important, but the immediate concern before starting tube feeding is to confirm gastrointestinal activity through the presence of bowel sounds.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Printing the EMR from a backup server does not resolve the immediate issue of the system lockup and may not be possible if the system is down.
Choice B reason: Identifying information as a late entry is a step to take after the system issue has been resolved and does not address the current problem.
Choice C reason: Waiting for the system to be rebooted is passive and does not actively contribute to resolving the system lockup.
Choice D reason: Notifying the information services department is the first and most proactive step to take, as they are responsible for resolving technical issues with the EMR system.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Recording the client's pulse rate and rhythm is part of the assessment, but it is not the first action to take when assessing for orthostatic hypotension.
Choice B reason: Assisting the client to stand is part of the assessment process, but it should be done after the initial blood pressure and pulse have been measured while the client is supine.
Choice C reason: Applying the blood pressure cuff securely is necessary for an accurate reading, but it is not the first step in the process of assessing for orthostatic hypotension.
Choice D reason: The first action is to position the client supine for a few minutes before taking the initial blood pressure and pulse measurements, as this provides a baseline for comparison when the client stands.
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