A nurse is caring for a patient who needs a nasogastric (NG) tube for stomach decompression. Which of the following steps should the nurse take when inserting the NG tube?
Position the patient with the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees prior to insertion of the NG tube.
Remove the NG tube if the patient begins to gag or choke.
Apply suction to the NG tube prior to insertion.
Encourage the patient to take sips of water to facilitate the insertion of the NG tube into the esophagus.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees can be helpful in some procedures, it is not the most crucial step when inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube. The primary goal is to ensure the tube enters the esophagus and not the trachea.
Choice B rationale
If a patient begins to gag or choke during the procedure, it may indicate that the tube has entered the trachea instead of the esophagus. However, removing the NG tube immediately might not always be the best course of action. It’s important to first assess the situation, reposition the patient, and attempt to advance the tube while the patient swallows.
Choice C rationale
Applying suction to the NG tube prior to insertion is not a standard practice. Suction is typically applied after the NG tube has been properly placed and secured, to remove gastric contents for therapeutic (decompression) or diagnostic (analysis) purposes.
Choice D rationale
Encouraging the patient to take sips of water can facilitate the insertion of the NG tube into the esophagus. Swallowing helps guide the tube down into the esophagus instead of the trachea.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Using a bed exit alarm system is a common intervention to minimize the risk of injury in patients with dementia. These systems alert staff when a patient attempts to leave the bed, allowing for timely intervention to prevent falls.
Choice B rationale
Raising four side rails while the patient is in bed is not a recommended practice. This could be considered a form of restraint and could increase the risk of injury if the patient attempts to climb over the rails.
Choice C rationale
Applying one soft wrist restraint is not a recommended practice for patients with dementia. Restraints should be used as a last resort and only when necessary for the patient’s safety.
Choice D rationale
Dimming the lights in the patient’s room is not a recommended practice to minimize the risk of injury in patients with dementia. Adequate lighting can help prevent falls and other accidents.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing a pillow under the patient’s knees can actually increase the risk of plantar flexion contractures by keeping the foot in a flexed position.
Choice B rationale
Positioning a trochanter roll under each of the patient’s hips would not directly prevent plantar flexion contractures. Trochanter rolls are typically used to maintain alignment and prevent external rotation of the hip.
Choice C rationale
Advising the patient to wear rubber-soled slippers would not directly prevent plantar flexion contractures. While rubber-soled slippers can provide safety benefits such as preventing slips and falls, they do not have a direct impact on the prevention of contractures.
Choice D rationale
Applying an ankle-foot orthotic device to the patient’s feet can help maintain the foot in a neutral position, thereby reducing the risk of developing plantar flexion contractures.
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