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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
When reinforcing teaching with a client who has a duodenal ulcer and a new prescription for cimetidine, the nurse should include the following instructions:
"Avoid taking the medication at bedtime.": Cimetidine is most effective when taken during waking hours to help control gastric acid secretion. Taking it at bedtime may not provide optimal therapeutic benefits.
"You will need to continue taking this medication for up to 6 weeks.": Cimetidine is often prescribed for the treatment of duodenal ulcers and may require several weeks of continuous use to promote healing. It is important for the client to understand the duration of treatment and the need for adherence to the prescribed regimen.
The following statements are incorrect or not applicable:
"Drinking grapefruit juice while taking cimetidine can lead to toxicity.": Cimetidine does not have a known interaction with grapefruit juice. However, it is always important to consult the healthcare provider or pharmacist about potential drug interactions, including those related to specific foods or beverages.
"Take an antacid 30 minutes prior to taking cimetidine to minimize stomach upset.": Cimetidine is an H2 receptor antagonist that works by reducing stomach acid production. It is not necessary to take an antacid prior to taking cimetidine to minimize stomach upset. However, if the client experiences stomach upset or discomfort, they should consult their healthcare provider for further guidance on managing these symptoms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn. Orange juice is highly acidic, and consuming acidic foods and beverages can exacerbate the symptoms of GERD. The acidic nature of orange juice can irritate the esophagus and contribute to increased acid reflux, leading to heartburn.
Sleeping on a large wedge-style pillow can actually help alleviate symptoms of GERD by elevating the head and upper body, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux during sleep.
Eating dinner early in the evening is generally recommended for individuals with GERD as it allows sufficient time for digestion before lying down. This can help prevent acid reflux during sleep.
Consuming low-fat meats is also a favorable choice for individuals with GERD as fatty foods can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. However, the options provided do not include any fatty foods, so it is not the primary contributing factor to the client's heartburn in this case.
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