A nurse is caring for a client receiving continuous enteral feedings via a gastrostomy tube. Which nursing intervention is most important to help prevent aspiration?
Discard the container of formula every 12 hours
Irrigate the tube with sterile water before administering medications
Measure & record the residual volume after each feeding
Keep head of bed elevated 30 degrees
The Correct Answer is D
A. Discard the container of formula every 12 hours: While this is important for preventing contamination, it does not directly address the risk of aspiration.
B. Irrigate the tube with sterile water before administering medications: This helps maintain tube patency and prevent clogging but does not significantly impact the prevention of aspiration.
C. Measure & record the residual volume after each feeding: Monitoring residuals is crucial for assessing gastric emptying and preventing overfeeding but does not directly prevent aspiration.
D. Keep head of bed elevated 30 degrees: This is the correct choice. Elevating the head of the bed reduces the risk of aspiration by ensuring that gravity helps keep the feeding in the stomach and minimizes the risk of reflux into the esophagus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Client's serum pH is 7.41: This is within the normal range for blood pH (7.35-7.45) and does not specifically indicate a potassium deficit.
B. Client has a stage 2 sacral wound: This is related to skin integrity and does not directly impact potassium levels.
C. Client requires continuous nasogastric suction: Continuous nasogastric suction can lead to the loss of potassium as it removes gastric contents, which may include electrolytes.
D. Client has a history of adrenal insufficiency: While adrenal insufficiency can affect electrolyte balance, continuous nasogastric suction is a more immediate risk for potassium deficit.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Vomiting: Vomiting is a common symptom associated with metabolic acidosis but is not a compensatory mechanism. It can lead to further electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.
B. Tachycardia: Tachycardia can occur as a response to acidosis but is not a direct compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis.
C. Deep rapid breathing: This is the correct choice. Deep rapid breathing, or Kussmaul respirations, is a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis. It helps to expel carbon dioxide, thereby reducing acidity in the blood.
D. Watery diarrhea: Diarrhea can contribute to electrolyte imbalances and may exacerbate acidosis but is not a compensatory response by the body.
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