A nurse is caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube and tests the pH of the secretions to verify correct placement of the tube.
What pH reading should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale

Troponin is a cardiac enzyme which indicates a client has experienced a myocardial infarction. It is not a laboratory test that supports a diagnosis of malnutrition.

Choice B rationale

Albumin is a measure of plasma proteins which reflects the nutritional condition of a client experiencing anorexia and malnutrition over an extended period of time. Therefore, a nurse

should expect altered albumin levels in a client who reports anorexia and is experiencing malnutrition.

Choice C rationale

Total bilirubin is altered in clients who are experiencing hepatobiliary disease. It is not a laboratory test that supports a diagnosis of malnutrition.

Choice D rationale

Creatine kinase is a cardiac enzyme which is useful in the diagnosis of a myocardial infarction. It is not a laboratory test that supports a diagnosis of malnutrition.

Choice A rationale: Wet-to-dry dressings are a form of mechanical debridement. This method involves applying a wet dressing to the wound and allowing it to dry. When the dressing is removed, it also removes some of the dead or damaged tissue from the wound, helping to clean the wound and promote healing. This method can be painful and is not selective, meaning it can also remove healthy tissue. However, it is often used for wounds with a large amount of debris or necrotic tissue.

Choice B rationale: Surgical debridement is another method of wound debridement, but it is not a form of mechanical debridement. This method involves using surgical instruments to remove dead or damaged tissue. It is the fastest method of debridement and is often used for wounds that are infected or have a large amount of necrotic tissue. However, it requires a skilled practitioner and can be painful.

Choice C rationale: Enzymatic debridement involves applying a topical ointment that contains enzymes to the wound. These enzymes help to break down dead or damaged tissue. This method is selective and only removes necrotic tissue, leaving healthy tissue intact. However, it is not a form of mechanical debridement.

Choice D rationale: Autolytic debridement is a method that uses the body’s own enzymes and moisture to break down dead or damaged tissue. This is the slowest method of debridement but is also the least painful and is selective for necrotic tissue. Like enzymatic debridement, autolytic debridement is not a form of mechanical debridement.