A nurse is caring for a client who has an NG tube due to an intestinal obstruction. Using the nursing process for clinical decision making, which of the following actions should the nurse take to maintain NG patency?
Place the client on his right side if tube resistance occurs.
Check the tube patency every 4 hr.
Flush the tube with 50 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation every 8 hr.
Maintain the client in a supine position.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Place the client on his right side if tube resistance occurs: Positioning the client on the right side can help facilitate gastric emptying, but it is not a primary action to ensure NG tube patency. If tube resistance occurs, the nurse should assess and address the resistance more directly.
B) Check the tube patency every 4 hr: Regularly checking the tube patency ensures that the NG tube remains open and functional, preventing blockages and ensuring continuous decompression or feeding as required.
C) Flush the tube with 50 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation every 8 hr: Flushing the tube helps maintain patency, but the amount and frequency may vary based on facility protocols. Flushing every 8 hours might not be frequent enough to prevent blockages.
D) Maintain the client in a supine position: Keeping the client in a supine position is not recommended for maintaining NG tube patency and may increase the risk of aspiration. A semi-Fowler's position is usually preferred to promote drainage and reduce aspiration risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Cleanse the client's finger with an antiseptic swab: The first step in performing a capillary blood glucose test is to cleanse the client’s finger with an antiseptic swab. This reduces the risk of infection and ensures that any contaminants on the skin do not affect the accuracy of the blood glucose reading.
B) Hold the client's finger in a dependent position: Holding the finger in a dependent position can help increase blood flow, but this step is taken after cleansing the finger. The priority is to first clean the area to minimize the risk of infection.
C) Wipe away the first drop of blood: Wiping away the first drop of blood is done to avoid contamination from interstitial fluid and to ensure a more accurate reading. However, this action occurs after the blood sample is obtained, not before the test begins.
D) Place the lancet on the side of the selected finger: While placing the lancet on the side of the finger is important for minimizing discomfort and obtaining an adequate blood sample, it follows the initial steps of cleaning the finger and preparing for the blood draw.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Keep client in semi-Fowler's position with right extremity flat: Semi-Fowler's position is not optimal for a client with a compound fracture of the right tibia. Elevating the affected extremity, rather than keeping it flat, can help reduce swelling and pain.
B) Manage pain with oral opioids every 6 hr: While managing pain is crucial, oral opioids may not provide immediate relief needed in acute settings. Pain management should include a combination of strategies and may require IV analgesics for quicker relief.
C) Check capillary refill hourly for the first 24 hr: Although monitoring capillary refill is important to assess circulation, it is only one aspect of monitoring. Comprehensive assessment includes checking for signs of infection, neurovascular status, and compartment syndrome.
D) Apply a compression dressing over the fracture site: Applying a compression dressing can help control bleeding and reduce swelling. In a compound fracture, managing external bleeding and providing some stability to the fracture site are immediate priorities. However, the nurse should ensure this is done without compromising circulation and should be guided by physician orders.
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