A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a procedure that required moderate sedation using midazolam. Which of the following should the nurse have on hand?

Choice A reason: Repositioning the NG tube is a later step; checking suction function is first, as equipment failure is a common cause of no drainage. Assuming repositioning is initial risks delaying simple fixes, potentially prolonging discomfort, critical to avoid in ensuring effective gastric decompression.

Choice B reason: Injecting air and aspirating is a troubleshooting step but follows checking suction equipment, which may resolve no drainage. Assuming air injection is first risks unnecessary intervention, potentially causing discomfort, critical to prevent in ensuring efficient NG tube management for gastric decompression.

Choice C reason: Instilling irrigation solution is a later step after confirming suction function, as equipment issues are more common. Assuming irrigation is first risks clogging or discomfort, critical to avoid in ensuring proper NG tube function and effective gastric decompression in clients with non-draining tubes.

Choice D reason: Checking suction equipment function is the first step for a non-draining NG tube, as equipment failure is a common issue, easily corrected. This ensures effective decompression, critical for preventing gastric distention, supporting client comfort, and guiding further troubleshooting in managing NG tube care.

Choice A reason: Swimming is contraindicated with a fiberglass cast, as water exposure risks skin irritation or cast damage. A hair dryer relieves itching. Allowing swimming risks infection or cast breakdown, critical to avoid in ensuring proper healing and parental education for children with arm casts.

Choice B reason: Positioning the arm in a sling at bedtime is unnecessary; elevation on pillows promotes circulation. A hair dryer addresses itching. Assuming a sling is required risks discomfort, critical to prevent in ensuring proper cast care and comfort for children post-fracture.

Choice C reason: Using a hair dryer on a cool setting safely relieves itching under a fiberglass cast, preventing skin irritation from scratching. This instruction is critical for comfort, ensuring proper cast care, supporting healing, and educating parents on safe management of a child’s arm cast post-injury.

Choice D reason: Checking finger movement every 6 hours is insufficient; frequent checks (e.g., every 2-4 hours) ensure circulation. A hair dryer is correct for itching. Assuming 6-hour checks risks delayed detection of complications, critical to avoid in ensuring safe cast care for children with fractures.