A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following blood gas values should the nurse expect?

A) Mix the 2 medications together prior to administration: It is not recommended to mix medications together before administering them through an NG tube unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider or the pharmacy. Some medications can interact or precipitate when combined, which could reduce their effectiveness or cause harmful reactions. Therefore, it is safer to administer each medication separately, followed by a flush.

B) Add the medications to a small amount of the formula: Medications should not be mixed with enteral feeding formula, as it can affect the absorption of the medication and alter its effectiveness. Additionally, the medications could interact with components of the formula, leading to complications or reduced efficacy.

C) Flush the tube with at least 30 mL of sterile water prior to administering the medications: This is the correct action. Flushing the NG tube with 30 mL of sterile water before administering medications helps ensure the tube is clear and patent, preventing clogging. It also prepares the tube to receive the medications, ensuring proper delivery into the gastrointestinal tract.

D) Connect the NG tube to suction 10 minutes after administration of the medications: Connecting the NG tube to suction immediately after medication administration could remove the medications before they are absorbed. It is important to wait at least 30 minutes after administering medications before connecting the NG tube to suction to ensure the medication is absorbed adequately.

A) "Ensure that the negative air pressure is active for the client’s room.": Negative air pressure is used for airborne precautions, such as in the case of tuberculosis or other airborne infections. MRSA is primarily spread through direct contact, not airborne transmission, so negative air pressure is not necessary in this situation.

B) "Place the client in a room with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.": A HEPA filter is used for airborne precautions to filter out airborne particles like those found in diseases such as tuberculosis or measles. Since MRSA is transmitted through direct contact and not airborne particles, placing the client in a room with a HEPA filter is not necessary.

C) "Have the client wear a mask when they are out of their room.": MRSA is typically spread by direct contact with infected wounds, bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces. It is not transmitted via respiratory droplets, so there is no need for the client to wear a mask when they leave their room. The focus should be on contact precautions rather than respiratory precautions.

D) "Don gloves prior to assisting the client with brushing their teeth.": MRSA is a contact-borne infection, so it is essential to use proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves, when coming into direct contact with the client or any of their bodily fluids or contaminated items (such as toothbrushes). Donning gloves prior to assisting with brushing their teeth ensures that the nurse avoids direct contact with potential sources of infection. This is an important measure in preventing the spread of MRSA.