A client with a gastrostomy tube is receiving a continuous feeding, and the nurse suspects that the client has aspirated some of the feeding. Which action should the nurse take?
Decrease the rate of the feeding by half.
Observe for an allergic reaction to the formula.
Hang a new bag of the enteral formula.
Stop the tube feeding and assess the client.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Decreasing the rate of the feeding might be a consideration if the feeding was too rapid, but it is not the immediate priority if aspiration is suspected.
B. While it is important to monitor for allergic reactions to enteral formulas, this is not the immediate concern if aspiration is suspected. Allergic reactions would typically present with symptoms such as rash, itching, or gastrointestinal distress, and not immediately after aspiration.
C. Hanging a new bag of enteral formula is not an appropriate action if aspiration is suspected. The
priority is to ensure the client’s safety and address any complications that may arise from the aspiration, such as aspiration pneumonia.
D. Stopping the tube feeding and assessing the client is the most appropriate initial action if aspiration is suspected. Immediate assessment is necessary to determine if the client is experiencing signs of aspiration, such as coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or changes in consciousness.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Asking the client to describe their feelings provides an opportunity to explore their symptoms in more detail, which might help in understanding their pain better. This approach respects the client's experience and opens a dialogue to assess their discomfort more accurately, especially if they are not expressing it verbally or are having difficulty quantifying it.
B. Administering medication without further assessment might be premature. The client's denial of pain and the presence of grimacing and guarding behavior suggest that there may be underlying discomfort, but it's crucial to assess the situation more thoroughly before administering medication.
C. While documenting the client’s verbal denial of pain is important, it should not be the only action taken. The client's non-verbal cues such as grimacing and guarding behavior suggest that they might be experiencing pain despite their verbal denial.
D. Confronting the client could be perceived as accusatory and might make them feel defensive or uncomfortable. It's important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding rather than confrontation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While protein levels are important in assessing overall nutritional status and can indicate conditions like malnutrition or liver disease, they are not the primary focus in the context of fever, dry mucous membranes, and skin turgor changes.
B. Hemoglobin levels are crucial for assessing anemia and overall oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Although dehydration can potentially concentrate hemoglobin levels, it is not the primary laboratory value to monitor in the context of the acute symptoms
C. The white blood cell count is important for diagnosing infections and understanding the body's response to illness. However, in this scenario, the primary concern is dehydration, which is not directly measured by WBC count. While an elevated WBC could indicate an infection contributing to the fever, it is not the primary laboratory value to monitor for fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
D. Sodium is a key electrolyte that can be significantly affected by dehydration. Dry mucous membranes, inelastic skin turgor, and a fever suggest potential fluid loss and dehydration, which can lead to imbalances in sodium levels. Monitoring sodium levels is crucial because dehydration often results in elevated sodium concentrations (hypernatremia), which can have serious implications for the client’s health.
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