A nurse is caring for a client who requires an NG tube. After inserting the tube, the nurse tests the pH of the client's aspirate. Which of the following pH levels should the nurse identify as an indication of correct placement of the tube?
8.0
6.0
7.0
4.0
The Correct Answer is D
A. 8.0: An aspirate pH of 8.0 would indicate an alkaline substance. This would not be typical of stomach contents, which are acidic. An alkaline pH might suggest placement in the intestines or respiratory tract.
B. 6.0: While this is less alkaline than 8.0, it is still not within the typical range for stomach contents. Stomach aspirate is generally more acidic.
C. 7.0: A pH of 7.0 is neutral. Stomach contents are typically more acidic, so a neutral pH would not be consistent with correct NG tube placement in the stomach.
D. 4.0: This is within the acidic range and is consistent with the pH of stomach contents. It would be considered an indication of correct NG tube placement in the stomach.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Flush the tube with water:
This is the correct action to take first. Flushing the tube with water ensures that the tube is clear and functional before administering the bolus enteral feeding.
B. Measure stomach contents:
This is not the first action to take. Before measuring stomach contents, it's important to confirm that the tube is patent and clear by flushing it with water.
C. Elevate the head of the bed:
While elevating the head of the bed is important during and after enteral feedings to reduce the risk of aspiration, it is not the first step. The initial focus should be on verifying the tube's patency.
D. Return gastric content into the gastrostomy tube:
If there is resistance or difficulty flushing the tube, returning gastric contents into the tube may be necessary, but it's not the first action. The first step is to attempt to clear the tube with water.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Intact skin with localized erythema:
Explanation: This description is more consistent with a stage 1 pressure injury, where there is non-blanchable erythema.
B. Full thickness skin loss with visible bone:
Explanation: This description is more consistent with a stage 4 pressure injury, which involves extensive tissue loss, including exposure of bone.
C. Full thickness skin loss with visible adipose tissue:
Explanation: This finding is characteristic of a stage 3 pressure injury, where the loss of tissue extends down to the subcutaneous layer.
D. Partial-thickness skin loss with red tissue in the wound bed:
Explanation: This description is consistent with a stage 2 pressure injury, where there is partial-thickness skin loss involving the epidermis and possibly the dermis, forming a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed.
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