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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Inserting the needle at a 15-degree angle is not recommended for subcutaneous injections like heparin. The needle should be inserted at a 90-degree angle.
Choice B rationale
Aspirating for blood return before administration is not necessary when administering heparin.
Choice C rationale
Heparin should be administered into the abdominal fat layer, above the iliac crest and at least 2 inches away from the umbilicus.
Choice D rationale
Massaging the site after the injection is not recommended as it can cause bruising.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
The correct answers are Choices A, B, and C.
Choice A rationale: Passive range-of-motion exercises should be performed more frequently than once each day to maintain joint mobility, prevent contractures, and stimulate circulation. Performing them only once daily is inadequate for a client with paraplegia who is immobile.
Choice B rationale: Nonblanchable erythema is a sign of a stage 1 pressure ulcer, indicating that the skin is at risk of further breakdown and infection. Immediate intervention is required to prevent progression to more severe pressure injuries.
Choice C rationale: Plantar flexion contractures can lead to significant long-term disability and complications, such as difficulty in ambulation and pain. These contractures require intervention through more frequent range-of-motion exercises, splinting, or physical therapy to prevent worsening.
Choice D rationale: Pedal pulses that are 2+ bilaterally are within normal limits and indicate adequate peripheral circulation. This finding does not require intervention.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.