A nurse is providing teaching to a client about colorectal cancer prevention guidelines. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include?

Choice A Reason:

The National League for Nursing (NLN) is an organization that focuses on nursing education and the development of nurse educators. While it plays a significant role in advancing the quality of nursing education, it does not define the nursing scope of practice. The NLN provides resources, professional development, and accreditation for nursing programs, but the legal scope of practice is determined by state laws and regulations.

Choice B Reason:

The Joint Commission is an independent, non-profit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. Its primary role is to ensure that healthcare organizations meet certain performance standards to provide safe and effective care. While the Joint Commission sets standards for healthcare quality and safety, it does not define the nursing scope of practice. Its focus is on organizational accreditation rather than individual professional practice.

Choice C Reason:

The Patients Bill of Rights is a document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of patients within the healthcare system. It aims to ensure that patients receive fair and respectful treatment and have a voice in their care decisions. Although it is important for protecting patient rights, it does not define the nursing scope of practice. The Patients Bill of Rights addresses patient care from a consumer perspective rather than a professional regulatory standpoint.

Choice D Reason:

State-based Nurse Practice Acts are laws enacted by state legislatures that define the scope of practice for nurses within that state. These acts outline the legal parameters for nursing practice, including what tasks and responsibilities nurses are authorized to perform. They are designed to protect public health and safety by ensuring that nurses provide care within their level of competence and training. The Nurse Practice Acts are the primary source for defining the nursing scope of practice and are enforced by state boards of nursing.

Choice A reason:

Lowering the head of the client’s bed to 15 degrees can help facilitate the drainage of the NG tube. This position uses gravity to assist in the movement of gastric contents through the tube. However, it is not the most effective method to address the issue of the NG tube not draining. This action might be more appropriate for other clinical scenarios, such as preventing aspiration, but it is not the primary intervention for a non-draining NG tube.

Choice B reason:

Injecting 10 mL of air into the vent lumen is a common technique used to clear an obstruction in the NG tube. This action can help dislodge any blockages that may be preventing the tube from draining properly. By injecting air, the nurse can ensure that the tube is patent and functioning correctly. This method is often recommended in clinical guidelines for managing NG tube blockages.

Choice C reason:

Placing the NG tube to high suction is not recommended as it can cause damage to the gastric mucosa and lead to complications such as bleeding or ulceration. High suction can create excessive negative pressure, which can harm the delicate tissues of the stomach lining. Therefore, this action is not appropriate for managing a non-draining NG tube and should be avoided.

Choice D reason:

Connecting the air vent to the suction is incorrect and can lead to malfunction of the NG tube. The air vent, also known as the pigtail, is designed to allow air to enter the stomach and prevent the tube from adhering to the gastric mucosa. Connecting it to suction would negate its purpose and could cause the tube to become blocked or damaged. This action is not recommended in any clinical guidelines for NG tube management.