A nurse is preparing to administer an intermittent enteral feeding through a small-bore NG tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take before initiating the feeding?
Flush the tube with 5 mL of water.
Test the pH of fluid aspirated from the tube.
Inject air through the tubing and auscultate for gurgling sounds:
Change the bag and tubing system every 12 hr
The Correct Answer is B
A. Flush the tube with 5 mL of water:
Explanation: Flushing the tube with water is a routine practice before and after administering medications or feedings to maintain tube patency. However, it is not the primary action to confirm tube placement.
B. Test the pH of fluid aspirated from the tube (Correct Answer):
Explanation: Testing the pH of aspirated fluid helps confirm that the tube is in the stomach. A pH between 1 and 5 is generally indicative of gastric placement.
C. Inject air through the tubing and auscultate for gurgling sounds:
Explanation: This method is an older practice and is not recommended as a reliable method for verifying tube placement. Testing the pH is a more accurate and preferred method.
D. Change the bag and tubing system every 12 hr:
Explanation: Changing the bag and tubing system every 12 hours is a routine practice to maintain the integrity of the enteral feeding system. However, it is not specifically related to the initial steps in verifying tube placement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Instruct the client to limit flexion of the hips no further than 100°.For a client who is postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty, hip flexion should generally be limited to 90° or less to avoid dislocation of the hip prosthesis. The instruction to limit flexion to 100° could potentially put the client at risk for dislocation and should be clarified.
B. Perform range-of-motion exercises every 2 hr.This helps prevent stiffness and promotes circulation, although passive range of motion should be performed carefully to avoid excessive hip flexion.
C. Reposition the client every 2 hr.Regular repositioning helps prevent pressure ulcers and other complications, and is a standard postoperative practice.
D. Place an abduction pillow between the legs.An abduction pillow is used to keep the legs apart and prevent dislocation of the hip joint, which is essential after a hip arthroplasty.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Flush the tube with 5 mL of water:
Explanation: Flushing the tube with water is a routine practice before and after administering medications or feedings to maintain tube patency. However, it is not the primary action to confirm tube placement.
B. Test the pH of fluid aspirated from the tube (Correct Answer):
Explanation: Testing the pH of aspirated fluid helps confirm that the tube is in the stomach. A pH between 1 and 5 is generally indicative of gastric placement.
C. Inject air through the tubing and auscultate for gurgling sounds:
Explanation: This method is an older practice and is not recommended as a reliable method for verifying tube placement. Testing the pH is a more accurate and preferred method.
D. Change the bag and tubing system every 12 hr:
Explanation: Changing the bag and tubing system every 12 hours is a routine practice to maintain the integrity of the enteral feeding system. However, it is not specifically related to the initial steps in verifying tube placement.
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