A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and has an NG tube that has drained 2,500 ml. In the past 6 hr. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following electrolyte Imbalances?
Decreased potassium level
Decreased calcium level
Elevated magnesium level
Elevated sodium level
The Correct Answer is A
A. Decreased potassium level
NG tube drainage can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels) due to the loss of gastric fluids, which contain significant amounts of potassium. This choice is correct.
B. Decreased calcium level
Calcium levels are not directly affected by NG tube drainage.
C. Elevated magnesium level
NG tube drainage does not typically lead to elevated magnesium levels.
D. Elevated sodium level
NG tube drainage can result in hyponatremia (low sodium levels) due to the loss of gastric fluids. Elevated sodium levels are not expected in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Avoid replacing the NG tube if it is accidentally dislodged:After a gastrectomy, improper placement or reinsertion of the NG tube can disrupt the surgical site, leading to complications such as bleeding, leakage, or perforation. If the tube is accidentally dislodged, the nurse should notify the surgeon or provider, as reinsertions in postoperative gastric surgery clients are typically performed under their direction.
B. Irrigate the blue pigtail port with sterile saline:The blue pigtail port (air vent) of a double-lumen NG tube (e.g., Salem sump) should not be irrigated with saline because it functions as an air vent to prevent suction from damaging the stomach lining.
C. Verify tube placement by injecting air into the larger lumen:Injecting air to verify NG tube placement is no longer considered a reliable or evidence-based practice. Placement should be verified by other methods, such as aspiration of gastric contents, pH testing, or radiographic confirmation, especially in postoperative clients.
D. Avoid the nares when providing hygiene care:Hygiene care for the nares is essential to prevent skin breakdown and discomfort in clients with an NG tube. Neglecting the nares could lead to excoriation, pressure injuries, or infection.
Correct Answer is ["B"]
Explanation
A. "I will expect a warm feeling when the dye is injected."
This statement is incorrect. Barium swallow involves swallowing a contrast medium, not an injection. The warm feeling might be associated with injected substances but not with a barium swallow.
B. "I will drink plenty of fluids after the test."
This statement is correct. After a barium swallow, it's important to drink plenty of fluids to help clear the barium from the body and prevent constipation.
C. "I will maintain a clear liquid diet 24 hours before the test."
This statement is incorrect. A clear liquid diet might be recommended before certain medical procedures, but for a barium swallow, often patients are asked to avoid eating or drinking for a 8hours before the test.
D. "I will expect my stool to be black after this procedure."
Barium can cause stools to appear white or light-colored for several days after the procedure.Black stools could indicate the presence of gastrointestinal bleeding or other issues unrelated to the barium swallow.
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