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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?

A.

Flush the tube with 5 mL of water.

B.

Test the pH of fluid aspirated from the tube.

C.

Inject air through the tubing and auscultate for gurgling sounds:

D.

Change the bag and tubing system every 12 hr

Answer and Explanation

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.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is ["2.1"]

Explanation

To calculate the total daily dose of tobramycin, we use the formula:

  • Total Daily Dose (mg) = Dose (mg/kg/day) × Weight (kg)
  • Total Daily Dose (mg)=Dose (mg/kg/day)×Weight (kg)

In this case:

  • Total Daily Dose=3 mg/kg/day × 85 kg
  • Total Daily Dose=255mg/day

Since the total daily dose is divided into three doses, the nurse should administer:

  • Dose per Administration =Total Daily Dose/Number of Doses per Day
  • Dose per Administration = 255 mg/3
  • Dose per Administration≈85mg

Now, to calculate the volume (mL) to administer, we use the concentration of the available tobramycin solution:

  • Volume (mL)=Dose per Administration (mg)/Concentration (mg/mL)

In this case:

  • Volume=85mg/40mg/mL
  • Volume≈2.1mL

Therefore, the nurse should administer approximately 2.1 mL of tobramycin per dose, rounded to the nearest tenth.

Correct Answer is ["500"]

Explanation

To calculate the mL/hr for the lactated Ringer's IV infusion over 30 minutes, you can use the following formula:

Rate (mL/hr)=Volume (mL)/Time (hr)

In this case:

Rate=250 mL/ 0.5 hr

Rate=500mL/hr

Therefore, the nurse should set the IV pump to deliver 500 mL/hr for the lactated Ringer's IV infusion over 1 hour.

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