A home health nurse is providing teaching about home safety to an older adult client. Which of the following examples of home safety should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason:

Lowering the head of the client’s bed to 15 degrees can help facilitate the drainage of the NG tube. This position uses gravity to assist in the movement of gastric contents through the tube. However, it is not the most effective method to address the issue of the NG tube not draining. This action might be more appropriate for other clinical scenarios, such as preventing aspiration, but it is not the primary intervention for a non-draining NG tube.

Choice B reason:

Injecting 10 mL of air into the vent lumen is a common technique used to clear an obstruction in the NG tube. This action can help dislodge any blockages that may be preventing the tube from draining properly. By injecting air, the nurse can ensure that the tube is patent and functioning correctly. This method is often recommended in clinical guidelines for managing NG tube blockages.

Choice C reason:

Placing the NG tube to high suction is not recommended as it can cause damage to the gastric mucosa and lead to complications such as bleeding or ulceration. High suction can create excessive negative pressure, which can harm the delicate tissues of the stomach lining. Therefore, this action is not appropriate for managing a non-draining NG tube and should be avoided.

Choice D reason:

Connecting the air vent to the suction is incorrect and can lead to malfunction of the NG tube. The air vent, also known as the pigtail, is designed to allow air to enter the stomach and prevent the tube from adhering to the gastric mucosa. Connecting it to suction would negate its purpose and could cause the tube to become blocked or damaged. This action is not recommended in any clinical guidelines for NG tube management.

Choice A Reason:

Dissociation is a defense mechanism where a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity. It often occurs in response to trauma or extreme stress, allowing the individual to distance themselves from the reality of the situation. In this case, the client is not showing signs of dissociation, such as feeling detached from reality or experiencing memory gaps. Instead, they are avoiding the reality of their partner’s condition.

Choice B Reason:

Denial is a defense mechanism where a person refuses to accept the reality of a situation to avoid dealing with painful emotions. The client’s statement about planning a trip despite their partner’s terminal condition indicates that they are not acknowledging the severity of the situation. This refusal to accept reality helps them cope with the emotional distress associated with their partner’s impending death.

Choice C Reason:

Regression involves reverting to behaviors from an earlier stage of development when faced with stress. This might include actions like thumb-sucking, bed-wetting, or other childlike behaviors. The client’s statement does not indicate a return to earlier developmental behaviors but rather a refusal to accept the current reality.

Choice D Reason:

Displacement is a defense mechanism where negative emotions are redirected from their original source to a less threatening target. For example, someone might take out their frustration with their boss on a family member. In this scenario, the client is not redirecting their emotions but rather avoiding the reality of their partner’s condition.