A nurse is assessing for correct placement of a client's NG feeding tube prior to administering a bolus feeding.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Insert air in the tube and listen for gurgling sounds in the epigastric area
Aspirate contents from the tube and verify the pH level
Review the medical record for previous x-ray verification of placement
Auscultate the lungs for adventitious breath sounds
The Correct Answer is B
Aspirate contents from the tube and verify the pH level.
- A. This is an incorrect action. Inserting air in the tube and listening for gurgling sounds in the epigastric area is not a reliable method to confirm NG tube placement, as it can produce falsepositive results due to air entering the stomach or intestines.
- B. This is a correct action. Aspirating contents from the tube and verifying the pH level is a valid method to confirm NG tube placement, as gastric contents typically have a pH of less than 5.5, while intestinal or respiratory contents have a higher pH.
- C. This is an incorrect action. Reviewing the medical record for previous x-ray verification of placement is not sufficient to confirm NG tube placement, as the tube can migrate or become dislodged after insertion. X-ray verification should be done initially and whenever there is doubt about the tube's position.
- D. This is an incorrect action. Auscultating the lungs for adventitious breath sounds is not a specific method to confirm NG tube placement, as it can indicate other conditions such as pneumonia or pulmonary edema. It can also miss signs of respiratory complications due to NG tube misplacement, such as pneumothorax or bronchial obstruction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- A. Pink, frothy sputum is a characteristic finding of pulmonary edema, which is caused by fluid accumulation in the alveoli and interstitial spaces of the lungs. This impairs gas exchange and leads to hypoxia and respiratory distress.
- B. Bradycardia is not expected in pulmonary edema. The client is more likely to have tachycardia due to increased sympathetic stimulation and decreased cardiac output.
- C. Flushed, dry skin is not expected in pulmonary edema. The client is more likely to have pale, cool, and clammy skin due to peripheral vasoconstriction and decreased perfusion.
- D. Wheezing is not a specific finding of pulmonary edema. It may indicate bronchospasm or asthma, which are different conditions that affect the airways rather than the alveoli.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
A. Assess peripheral circulation hourly. This is correct because clients with SCD are at risk of vaso-occlusive crisis, which can impair blood flow to the extremities and cause tissue ischemia and necrosis. The nurse should monitor for signs of poor circulation such as pallor, coolness, numbness, or pain.
B. Assess the client's mouth every 8 hr. This is correct because clients with SCD are prone to oral ulcers, infections, and dental problems due to chronic anemia and reduced oxygen delivery to the oral mucosa. The nurse should inspect the mouth for lesions, bleeding, inflammation, or infection and provide oral hygiene as needed.
C. Use humidification with oxygen therapy. Administer IV fluids. This is correct because clients with SCD need adequate hydration and oxygenation to prevent sickling of red blood cells and further complications. Humidification helps moisten the airways and prevent dehydration of the mucous membranes. IV fluids help maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and reduce blood viscosity.
D. Raise the knee position on the client's bed. This is incorrect because this can impede venous return and worsen peripheral circulation. The nurse should keep the client's extremities in a neutral position and avoid tight or restrictive clothing or devices.
E. Use an automated blood pressure cuff on the client's arm. Prepare for platelet transfusion. This is incorrect because this can cause mechanical trauma to the arm and trigger a vasoocclusive crisis. The nurse should use a manual blood pressure cuff and avoid applying pressure to the arm. Platelet transfusion is not indicated for clients with SCD unless they have thrombocytopenia or bleeding.
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