A nurse is providing care to a group of patients in an adult medical-surgical unit. Which patient should the nurse identify as having the highest risk for aspiration?
A patient with a colostomy.
A patient with an ileostomy.
A patient receiving enteral feedings through an NG tube.
A patient who has a chest tube following a motor vehicle crash.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
A colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the colon (large intestine) to divert stool through the abdomen. While a colostomy can affect bowel function, it does not directly increase the risk of aspiration. This is because the colon is located further down the digestive tract and does not directly involve the airway.
Choice B rationale:
An ileostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the ileum (small intestine) to divert stool through the abdomen. Similar to a colostomy, an ileostomy does not directly increase the risk of aspiration because the ileum is also located further down the digestive tract and does not involve the airway.
Choice C rationale:
Enteral feedings, also known as tube feedings, involve delivering nutrients directly into the stomach or small intestine through a tube. Patients receiving enteral feedings through a nasogastric (NG) tube are at a significantly higher risk of aspiration for several reasons:
Impaired swallowing mechanisms: Many patients who require enteral feedings have impaired swallowing mechanisms, which can increase the risk of food or liquid entering the airway instead of the esophagus.
Tube placement: The NG tube itself can potentially irritate the esophagus or interfere with the normal closure of the upper esophageal sphincter, which can increase the risk of reflux and aspiration.
Feeding formula: Enteral feeding formulas are often thin and liquid-like, which can make them easier to aspirate than thicker liquids or solid foods.
Positioning: Patients receiving enteral feedings are often in a reclined position, which can make it easier for fluids to travel back up the esophagus and into the airway.
Choice D rationale:
A chest tube is a drainage tube inserted into the chest cavity to remove air or fluid. While a chest tube can affect respiratory function, it does not directly increase the risk of aspiration. This is because the chest tube drains fluid from the pleural space, which surrounds the lungs, and does not directly involve the airway or digestive tract.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Painful urination (dysuria) can be a sign of several conditions that could potentially affect the client's IVP or indicate a need for further assessment. These conditions include:
Urinary tract infection (UTI): UTIs are common in clients with recurrent kidney stones, and they can cause inflammation and pain in the urinary tract. If a client has a UTI, it's important to treat it before the IVP to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to the kidneys.
Kidney stone passage: The client's history of kidney stones makes it possible that the pain could be due to the passage of a stone. This would be important information for the healthcare team to know, as it could affect the interpretation of the IVP results.
Other urological conditions: There are other urological conditions, such as bladder or urethral strictures, that can also cause painful urination. These conditions might also need to be considered and assessed for.
It's important for the nurse to collect more data about the client's painful urination to determine the underlying cause and whether it could impact the IVP. This might include asking questions about:
The severity and duration of the pain
Any other associated symptoms, such as fever, urgency, or frequency The client's history of UTIs or kidney stones
Any recent changes in urinary habits
Based on this additional information, the nurse can then collaborate with the healthcare team to determine the best course of action, which might include:
Further assessment, such as a urinalysis or urine culture Treatment for a UTI, if present
Pain management
Rescheduling the IVP, if necessary
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Distended neck veins are not a reliable indicator of dehydration in adults. They can be caused by other factors, such as heart failure or fluid overload.
In cases of dehydration, the veins in the neck may actually be less visible due to decreased blood volume.
It's important to assess for other signs and symptoms of dehydration, such as urine output, skin turgor, and vital signs, to make an accurate diagnosis.
Choice B rationale:
A bounding pulse can be a sign of dehydration, but it can also be caused by other factors, such as anxiety, exercise, or fever. It's important to assess the pulse rate and rhythm in conjunction with other signs and symptoms to determine the cause.
A normal pulse rate is 60-100 beats per minute in adults. A bounding pulse is typically a strong, forceful pulse that can be easily felt.
Choice C rationale:
A blood pressure of 146/94 mm Hg is considered elevated, but it is not necessarily a sign of dehydration. Blood pressure can be elevated due to other factors, such as stress, pain, or underlying medical conditions. It's important to assess blood pressure in conjunction with other signs and symptoms to determine the cause. Choice D rationale:
Urine specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the urine. A higher urine specific gravity indicates more concentrated urine, which is a sign of dehydration.
A normal urine specific gravity is 1.005-1.030. A urine specific gravity of 1.034 is considered high and is a strong indicator of dehydration.
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