A nurse is preparing to administer an intermittent enteral feeding to a child who has an NG tube in place. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Place the child in an upright position.
Verify the position of the NG tube.
Determine the gastric residual volume.
Flush the child's NG tube with sterile water.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
The nurse should prioritize Choice B over Choice A as it is essential to first confirm the correct placement of the NG tube before proceeding with any other actions. If the tube is not correctly positioned, administering the enteral feeding can lead to potential complications, such as aspiration, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the NG tube's proper placement before moving forward with the feeding
Choice B reason:
This option takes precedence as verifying the NG tube's position is a fundamental step in the enteral feeding process. The nurse must use appropriate methods, such as X-ray or pH testing, to confirm that the tube is in the stomach and not in the respiratory tract or elsewhere. This verification ensures the safety and effectiveness of the feeding procedure and prevents potential harm to the child.
Choice C reason:
While checking the gastric residual volume (GRV) is an important step in some cases, it should be done after confirming the NG tube's proper placement (Choice B). GRV provides information about the amount of feeding left in the stomach and helps in assessing tolerance to the feeding. However, if the NG tube is misplaced, determining GRV becomes irrelevant as the feeding would not be going to the intended location.
Choice D reason:
Flushing the child's NG tube with sterile water is an appropriate step during the enteral feeding process but should be done after verifying the tube's position (Choice B). Flushing ensures that the tube is patent and free from any obstructions, allowing the feeding to pass through smoothly. However, again, if the NG tube is incorrectly positioned, flushing it would not address the underlying issue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The nurse should not initiate contact precautions for a child with suspected epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is primarily caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B, and it spreads through respiratory droplets. Contact precautions are not necessary as the transmission occurs through droplets, and standard precautions should be sufficient.
Choice B reason:
The nurse should monitor pulse oximetry. Epiglottitis is a condition where the epiglottis becomes inflamed and swollen, potentially blocking the airway. Monitoring the child's pulse oximetry helps assess their oxygen saturation levels, which is crucial in determining if there is adequate oxygenation. If the oxygen saturation drops significantly, immediate intervention might be needed to maintain the child's airway and prevent hypoxia.
Choice C reason:
Obtaining a throat culture is not an appropriate intervention for suspected epiglottitis. In cases of suspected epiglottitis, the priority is to ensure the child's airway is maintained and that they receive appropriate medical attention promptly. Throat culture collection involves swabbing the throat to identify the infectious agent and is not a priority in this urgent situation.
Choice D reason:
Administering epinephrine IM is not indicated for suspected epiglottitis. Epinephrine is typically used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and not for managing epiglottitis. The primary focus in epiglottitis is securing the airway and providing appropriate medical treatment, which might include antibiotics and respiratory support.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Hep B is given at birth, 2 months, and 6 months of age not at 11 years old.
Choice B reason:
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) The rationale for not choosing Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) is the same as for choice A. If the child has already received the required doses of the MMR vaccine, giving extra doses is not necessary and may not provide any additional benefit.
Choice C reason:
This vaccine is recommended for children at age 11-12 years to boost immunity against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. This is a one-time dose, and it's important to ensure that children receive it on schedule.
Choice D reason:
Pneumococcal (PCV) The rationale for not choosing Pneumococcal (PCV) is that this vaccine is typically given in infancy and early childhood as part of the routine immunization schedule.
Since the child is 11 years old and up to date with current recommendations, they are unlikely to require another dose of PCV at this stage.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today