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.
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.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Decreased specific gravity is not a finding of right-sided heart failure. Specific gravity is a measure of urine concentration, which can be affected by fluid intake, dehydration, kidney function, and diuretic use. Right-sided heart failure does not directly affect urine concentration, but it can cause fluid retention and edema in the body.
Choice B: Decreased brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is not a finding of right-sided heart failure. BNP is a hormone that is released by the heart when it is stretched or overloaded. BNP helps to lower blood pressure and reduce fluid volume by increasing urine output and dilating blood vessels. BNP levels are elevated in both left-sided and right- sided heart failure, as the heart is under increased pressure and volume.
Choice C: Increased pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is not a finding of right-sided heart failure. PAWP is a measure of the pressure in the left atrium, which reflects the pressure in the pulmonary capillaries. PAWP is elevated in left-sided heart failure, as the blood backs up in the lungs due to impaired left ventricular function. PAWP is normal or low in right-sided heart failure, as the blood backs up in the systemic circulation due to impaired right ventricular function.
Choice D: Elevated central venous pressure (CVP) is a finding of right-sided heart failure. CVP is a measure of the pressure in the right atrium, which reflects the pressure in the systemic venous system. CVP is elevated in right-sided heart failure, as the blood backs up in the body due to impaired right ventricular function. CVP can cause jugular venous distension, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, ascites, and peripheral edema.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because these values indicate respiratory alkalosis, which is caused by hyperventilation or excess loss of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). Respiratory alkalosis increases the blood pH and decreases the HCO3- level.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because these values indicate metabolic alkalosis, which is caused by excess intake or retention of bases or loss of acids. Metabolic alkalosis increases the blood pH and the HCO3- level.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because these values indicate respiratory acidosis, which is caused by hypoventilation or excess retention of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). Respiratory acidosis decreases the blood pH and increases the HCO3- level.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because these values indicate metabolic acidosis, which is a common complication of chronic kidney disease. These values indicate metabolic acidosis, which is a common complication of chronic kidney disease. Metabolic acidosis occurs when the kidneys are unable to excrete excess acids or retain enough bicarbonate (HCO3-), which is a base that buffers the blood pH. As a result, the blood pH decreases and becomes more acidic. The normal range for blood pH is 7.35 to 7.45, for HCO3- is 22 to 26 mEq/L, and for PaCO2 is 35 to 45 mm Hg.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
