A nurse is caring for a patient 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 determine the patient’s electrolyte balance
To confirm the placement of the NG tube
To remove gastric acid that might cause dyspepsia
To identify delayed gastric emptying
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While electrolyte balance is important in patient care, it is not the primary reason for measuring gastric residual before administering a feeding through an NG tube.
Choice B rationale
Confirming the placement of the NG tube is crucial before administering a feeding. However, measuring the gastric residual is not the primary method used to confirm tube placement.
Choice C rationale
Removing gastric acid that might cause dyspepsia is not the main purpose of measuring gastric residual. Dyspepsia, or indigestion, is typically managed with medications and dietary modifications.
Choice D rationale
The primary purpose of measuring gastric residual is to identify delayed gastric emptying. Gastric residual refers to the volume of formula or contents remaining in the stomach from the previous feeding. If gastric emptying is delayed, the nurse should avoid overfeeding the patient and causing gastric distention.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Daily measurement of abdominal girth is crucial in patients with an intestinal obstruction undergoing continuous gastrointestinal decompression. This is because any changes in the abdominal girth can indicate an improvement or worsening of the obstruction. Regular monitoring allows for timely intervention and adjustment of the care plan.
Choice B rationale
Maintaining the patient in Fowler’s position can help promote the drainage of gastric contents via the nasogastric tube. This position, where the patient is seated in bed at an angle of 45-60 degrees, uses gravity to assist in the drainage process, thereby potentially alleviating discomfort and reducing the risk of aspiration.
Choice C rationale
Moistening the patient’s lips with lemon glycerin swabs is not recommended. While it’s important to keep the patient’s lips moist to prevent dryness and cracking due to the nasogastric tube, lemon glycerin swabs can potentially dry out the lips more and cause irritation.
Choice D rationale
Using sterile water to irrigate the nasogastric tube is a standard practice in managing patients with a nasogastric tube. This helps ensure the patency of the tube and prevent blockages, allowing for effective gastrointestinal decompression.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A decrease in systolic blood pressure is not a physiological change that increases the risk of dehydration in older adults.
Choice B rationale
An increase in saliva production does not occur with aging and does not increase the risk of dehydration.
Choice C rationale
An increase in the percentage of body water does not occur with aging. In fact, total body water decreases with age, which can contribute to an increased risk of dehydration.
Choice D rationale
A decrease in kidney function is a common physiological change that occurs with aging. This can lead to a decreased ability to concentrate urine and conserve water, increasing the risk of dehydration.
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