A nurse is caring for a client who receives intermittent enteral feedings through an NG tube. Before administering a feeding, the nurse should measure the gastric residual for which of the following purposes?
To confirm the placement of the NG tube
To determine the client's electrolyte balance
To remove gastric acid that might cause dyspepsia
To identify delayed gastric emptying
The Correct Answer is D
The nurse should measure the gastric residual before administering a feeding to identify delayed gastric emptying. Gastric residual refers to the volume of formula or contents remaining in the stomach from the previous feeding. Measuring gastric residual helps assess how well the client's stomach is emptying and can indicate if there is delayed gastric emptying.
By measuring gastric residual, the nurse can:
● Determine if the stomach has adequately emptied from the previous feeding. ● Assess the client's tolerance to enteral feedings.
● Detect signs of delayed gastric emptying, which can be indicative of gastrointestinal motility issues or other complications.
● Adjust the feeding rate or make other modifications to the enteral feeding plan based on the amount of residual volume.
Confirming the placement of the NG tube is typically done using other methods, such as an X-ray, pH testing, or auscultation of air insufflation. Gastric residual measurement primarily serves the purpose of assessing gastric emptying, rather than confirming tube placement.
While electrolyte imbalances can be monitored in the overall care of a client receiving enteral feedings, measuring gastric residual specifically focuses on assessing gastric emptying and feeding tolerance, rather than determining the client's electrolyte balance.
Removing gastric acid that might cause dyspepsia is not the primary purpose of measuring gastric residual. Gastric residual measurement aims to evaluate the volume of the previous feeding and assess gastric emptying, rather than focusing on dyspepsia specifically.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce the symptoms of GERD during sleep. By elevating the head, gravity can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus, reducing the occurrence of reflux.
The other statements do not demonstrate an understanding of the teaching: "I will sleep on my stomach with my head flat": Sleeping on the stomach can actually worsen the symptoms of GERD as it can increase the likelihood of stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. It is generally recommended to sleep on the left side or back to minimize reflux.
"I will have a snack 1 hour before going to bed": Consuming a snack close to bedtime can increase the likelihood of reflux during sleep. It is generally recommended to avoid eating at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down to minimize reflux symptoms.
"I can have 6 ounces of alcohol before bed, to help me sleep": Alcohol can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and increase the risk of reflux. It is best to avoid alcohol before bedtime, especially for individuals with GERD.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that helps the body get rid of excess fluid by increasing urine output. However, it also promotes the loss of potassium in the urine, leading to a potential decrease in the body's potassium levels.
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