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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Discussing the risk factors for colon cancer may not be helpful or comforting to a client who is expressing anger about their diagnosis. It might lead to feelings of guilt or regret if the client feels they could have done something to prevent the disease.
Choice B rationale
Focusing on future management of the illness may be overwhelming for a client who is currently expressing anger about their diagnosis. It might be more beneficial to address the client’s current emotional state before discussing future plans.
Choice C rationale
Providing written information about the phases of loss and grief may be helpful, but it may not address the client’s immediate emotional needs. The client may not be ready to read and process this information while they are expressing anger.
Choice D rationale
Reassuring the client that anger is an expected response to grief can validate the client’s feelings and help them feel understood. It’s important to acknowledge and validate the client’s emotions during this difficult time.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Regular inspection of the cord for frays or tears is crucial to ensure the safe operation of the home oxygen concentrator. A damaged cord can pose a risk of electric shock or fire.
Choice B rationale
Keeping the unit at least 1.2 m (4 ft) away from a gas stove is important because oxygen supports combustion. An oxygen-rich environment can cause materials to ignite more easily and make fires burn at a faster rate.
Choice C rationale
Considering the purchase of a generator for power backup is a good idea. In case of a power outage, a backup power source would ensure the continuous operation of the oxygen concentrator, which is critical for patients who are dependent on supplemental oxygen.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring for signs of hypoxia is essential. Despite receiving oxygen therapy, a patient may still experience hypoxia if the oxygen flow rate is insufficient, or if there are issues with the equipment. Signs of hypoxia include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, restlessness, confusion, and cyanosis (bluish color of the skin, lips, or nails)12.
Choice E rationale
Choosing synthetic clothing and bedding is not recommended. Synthetic materials can build up static electricity, which can spark and cause a fire in an oxygen-enriched environment.
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