A nurse is checking for the proper placement of a feeding tube. Which of the following methods is the most reliable for verification of tube placement?
Verify the bilirubin level of the tube contents.
Auscultate for air insufflation.
Request a chest x-ray.
Check the pH level of gastric contents.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Verifying the bilirubin level of the tube contents is incorrect. Measuring bilirubin levels in the tube contents is not a standard or reliable method for confirming tube placement. It's not an established or recommended technique for this purpose.
Choice B Reason:
Auscultating for air insufflation is incorrect. Auscultation for air insufflation involves injecting air into the tube and listening for bubbling sounds over the stomach area. While this method is commonly used, it can sometimes yield inconsistent or inconclusive results, especially in patients with certain conditions or situations where air movement might not be detectable.
Choice C Reason:
Request a chest x-ray is correct. Obtaining a chest x-ray is the most reliable method to confirm the placement of a feeding tube, especially when the tube is newly inserted or if there are any doubts about its location. A chest x-ray can accurately visualize the position of the tube within the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring it is in the intended location before any feedings or medications are administered.
Choice D Reason:
Checking the pH level of gastric contents is incorrect. Measuring the pH level of aspirated gastric contents can provide information about the acidity of the fluid, indicating gastric placement (pH below 5) in most cases. However, the pH can be influenced by various factors like medications, enteral feeding solutions, or certain medical conditions, making it less reliable than a chest x-ray for definitive confirmation of tube placement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"Aren't you interested in learning how to perform this test?" is incorrect. This response might come across as accusatory or judgmental, potentially making the client feel uncomfortable or defensive, further hindering communication.
Choice B Reason:
"Let's talk about what you're thinking." Is correct. This response acknowledges the client's distraction and aims to understand and address their thoughts or concerns that might be hindering their focus. It invites the client to express any worries or questions they might have, allowing the nurse to provide reassurance or clarification.
Choice C Reason:
"I'll discuss this with your partner instead." Is incorrect. Redirecting the conversation to the client's partner without understanding the client's concerns directly could undermine the client's autonomy and miss the opportunity to address their needs.
Choice D Reason:
"Is this something you think you can do?" is incorrect. While this question aims to assess the client's confidence, it might not effectively address the underlying reason for the client's distraction or encourage open communication about their concerns.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The stoma bleeds lightly when touched is incorrect. Some minor bleeding during the initial postoperative period is expected due to surgical trauma. Light bleeding when touched might not be unusual in the immediate days following colostomy placement.
Choice B Reason:
The stoma appears dark in color is correct. A dark-colored stoma could indicate compromised blood supply or ischemia, which is a concerning finding postoperatively. It's crucial to report this change in color promptly to the provider for further evaluation and intervention.
Choice CReason:
The stoma is draining a small amount of liquid stool is incorrect. In the early postoperative period, drainage of liquid stool from the stoma is normal. The digestive system needs time to adapt to the new anatomy created by the colostomy, and initially, the stool consistency might be liquid before it starts to normalize.
Choice DReason:
The stoma protrudes slightly from the abdomen is incorrect. A slightly protruding stoma is a common and expected finding after colostomy surgery. It's often a normal part of the healing process as the stoma settles and adjusts.
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