A nurse is caring for a client who has bleeding esophageal varices and is being treated with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?

Deﬂate the balloons for 5 min every 2 hr to prevent tissue necrosis.

Keep the head of the bed ﬂat at all times to prevent the development of shock.

Maintain constant observation while the balloons are inﬂated.

Suction the tube every 2 hr and as needed to maintain patency.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect. The balloons should not be deﬂated without a physician's order, as this can cause rebleeding or aspiration.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect. The head of the bed should be elevated to 30 to 45 degrees to reduce pressure on the balloons and prevent gastric reﬂux.

Choice C Reason: This is correct. The nurse should monitor the client closely for signs of complications, such as airway obstruction, aspiration, or balloon rupture. The nurse should also keep scissors at the bedside to cut the tube and release the balloons in case of an emergency.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect. The tube should not be suctioned, as this can damage the mucosa and cause bleeding. The nurse should only aspirate gastric contents through the gastric lumen to decompress the stomach.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice a) is incorrect because troponin is not an enzyme, but a protein. Enzymes are molecules that speed up chemical reactions in the body. Troponin does not have this function.

Choice b) is correct because troponin is a protein that binds to calcium and regulates the contraction of heart muscle fibers. When the heart muscle is injured, such as in a myocardial infarction, troponin leaks into the bloodstream and can be detected by a blood test. The higher the level of troponin, the more severe the damage to the heart.

Choice c) is incorrect because troponin does not help transport oxygen throughout the body. That function is performed by hemoglobin, which is a protein found in red blood cells.

Choice d) is incorrect because troponin is not a lipid, but a protein. Lipids are fats that are used for energy storage and cell membrane formation. Troponin does not have these roles.

A. Slow the rate to 50 mL/hr. B. Slow the rate to 20 mL/hr. C. Continue the rate at 125 mL/hr. D. Increase the rate to 250 mL/hr.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is: C. Continue the rate at 125 mL/hr.
Choice A: Slow the rate to 50 mL/hr
Slowing the IV fluid rate to 50 mL/hr is not appropriate for a patient with a head injury. Adequate fluid management is crucial to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure and prevent secondary brain injury. Reducing the rate to 50 mL/hr could lead to hypovolemia, which might decrease cerebral perfusion and worsen the patient’s condition.
Choice B: Slow the rate to 20 mL/hr
Slowing the IV fluid rate to 20 mL/hr is even less appropriate. Such a low rate would likely result in significant hypovolemia, severely compromising cerebral perfusion pressure. This could exacerbate the patient’s head injury by reducing the blood flow to the brain, leading to further damage.
Choice C: Continue the rate at 125 mL/hr
Continuing the rate at 125 mL/hr is appropriate. This rate helps maintain euvolemia, which is essential for ensuring adequate cerebral perfusion pressure in patients with head injuries. Maintaining a stable fluid rate helps prevent both hypovolemia and hypervolemia, both of which can negatively impact intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion.
Choice D: Increase the rate to 250 mL/hr
Increasing the IV fluid rate to 250 mL/hr is not recommended. Overhydration can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which can be detrimental to a patient with a head injury. Excessive fluid administration can cause cerebral edema, worsening the patient’s condition.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has bleeding esophageal varices and is being treated with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who sustained a head injury. The nurse notes the client's IV ﬂuids are infusing at 125 mL/hr. Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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