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. "We can expect the hospice nurse to provide support for us after our mother's death." This statement indicates that the family understands that hospice care includes bereavement services for up to one year after the death of a loved one.
- B. "A hospice nurse will come to the house each time our mother needs pain medication." This statement indicates that the family does not understand that hospice care involves teaching them how to administer pain medication and other comfort measures to their mother at home.
- C. "Now that my mother is receiving hospice services, we will not be able to get respite care." This statement indicates that the family does not understand that hospice care offers respite care, which allows them to take a break from caregiving for a short period of time.
- D. "Hospice care focuses on arranging treatment that will prolong our mother's life." This statement indicates that the family does not understand that hospice care focuses on providing palliative care, which aims to relieve pain and suffering, rather than curative treatment, which aims to extend life.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
- A. Instructing the client about the importance of regular medical appointments is important, but not the priority. The nurse should first ensure that the client knows how to manage their blood glucose levels and administer insulin at home.
- B. Encouraging the client to participate in daily exercise is beneficial, but not the priority. The nurse should first ensure that the client knows how to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their insulin dose accordingly.
- C. Explaining proper foot care techniques to the client is essential, but not the priority. The nurse should first ensure that the client knows how to prevent and treat hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, which can have serious complications.
- D. Ensuring that the client understands the medication regimen is the priority. The nurse should teach the client about the types, actions, doses, and administration times of insulin, as well as how to store and dispose of it safely.
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