A nurse is inserting an NG tube for a client who has a new prescription for enteral feedings. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to verify the placement of the client's tube? (Select all that apply.).
Measure the amount of aspirate in the NG tube.
Flush the tube with 50 mL of tap water.
Examine the color of aspirated secretions.
Measure the pH of the client's aspirate.
Obtain an x-ray of the client's chest and abdomen.
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
Choice A rationale:
Measuring the amount of aspirate in the NG tube is one way to verify the placement of the tube. Aspirate should be tested for color, pH, and other characteristics to ensure proper positioning.
Choice B rationale:
Flushing the tube with tap water doesn't directly verify tube placement. This action might inadvertently introduce air into the tube, potentially leading to inaccurate assessment results.
Choice C rationale:
Examining the color of aspirated secretions is an essential step in verifying tube placement. Different colors of aspirate can indicate different anatomical locations, helping to ensure the tube is properly positioned.
Choice D rationale:
Measuring the pH of the client's aspirate is another important method to verify NG tube placement. Gastric aspirate tends to be acidic, while respiratory aspirate is usually more alkaline.
Choice E rationale:
Obtaining an x-ray of the client's chest and abdomen is a definitive method for confirming NG tube placement. It provides direct visualization of the tube's location and ensures accuracy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is not the correct acid-base imbalance for the given ABG results. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (acidic), low bicarbonate (HCO3) levels, and a compensatory decrease in the PaCO2. In the provided ABG results, the pH is elevated, and both the PaCO2 and HCO3 levels are within normal ranges.
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory acidosis is also not the correct acid-base imbalance for the given ABG results. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an elevation in PaCO2 due to inadequate ventilation, leading to an acidic pH. In the provided ABG results, the pH is elevated, and the PaCO2 level is within normal range.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is the correct acid-base imbalance for the given ABG results. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH, elevated bicarbonate (HCO3) levels, and a compensatory increase in PaCO2. In this case, the pH is higher than the normal range, the HCO3 level is elevated, and the PaCO2 is also slightly increased as the body attempts to compensate.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is not the correct answer based on the provided ABG results. Respiratory alkalosis is marked by an elevated pH and a decrease in PaCO2 due to excessive ventilation. In the given ABG results, the pH is elevated, but the PaCO2 is not decreased; it's within the normal range.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The walking gait test is used to assess a client's walking pattern and balance, particularly for identifying abnormalities in gait. However, it doesn't specifically evaluate sensory functions, making it an inappropriate choice for this scenario.
Choice B rationale:
The plantar reflex test, also known as the Babinski reflex test, assesses the neurological integrity of the corticospinal tract. It involves stimulating the sole of the foot to elicit specific reflex movements. While this test is important in assessing neurological function, it doesn't directly evaluate sensory functions as requested in the question.
Choice C rationale:
The finger-to-nose test is a part of the neurological examination used to assess a client's coordination and proprioception. In this test, the client is asked to touch their nose with their index finger while alternating between eyes closed and eyes open. This evaluates their ability to sense the position of their limbs in space (proprioception) and their coordination. It directly addresses the focus of the question, making it the correct choice.
Choice D rationale:
The Romberg test evaluates a client's balance and proprioception. It involves having the client stand with their feet together and their eyes closed to assess their ability to maintain balance without visual input. While this test is relevant to sensory functions, it primarily assesses proprioception and balance rather than coordination, which the question is specifically targeting.
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