A nurse positions a patient for the insertion of a nasogastric (NGT) tube by:

Choice A rationale

While prostate enlargement is common in older men, it is not typically directly associated with bilateral gynecomastia. Gynecomastia primarily involves breast tissue enlargement due to hormonal imbalances, not glandular changes related to the prostate. Recommending prostate screening solely based on gynecomastia is not the most direct or scientifically sound approach.

Choice B rationale

Acknowledging gynecomastia as benign breast enlargement without further investigation might be premature. While some cases in older men are benign and related to aging, it can also be a symptom of underlying medical conditions or medication side effects that require evaluation. Dismissing it without investigation could miss a treatable cause.

Choice C rationale

A mammogram is a screening tool for breast cancer, which is rare in men but possible. However, gynecomastia is characterized by benign glandular tissue proliferation, distinct from the tissue changes typically associated with male breast cancer. While a physician might order one to rule out malignancy, it's not the initial recommended action based solely on the finding of bilateral gynecomastia.

Choice D rationale

Gynecomastia in men can result from various hormonal changes, including a decrease in testosterone levels relative to estrogen, or an increase in estrogen production. Certain medical conditions and medications can also disrupt hormonal balance. Recommending a physician visit to investigate potential underlying causes of hormonal changes is the most appropriate initial action to determine the etiology of the gynecomastia and guide further management.

Choice A rationale

Abrupt cessation of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) can lead to a rapid decrease in blood glucose levels. While receiving TPN, the body is continuously supplied with glucose. When this external glucose source is suddenly removed, the pancreas may continue to secrete insulin at a rate higher than needed, resulting in hypoglycemia. Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweating, tremors, confusion, and dizziness.

Choice B rationale

Hyperthermia, or elevated body temperature above the normal range of approximately 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F), is not a typical complication following the discontinuation of TPN. Fever is usually associated with infection or inflammation, neither of which are a direct consequence of stopping TPN.

Choice C rationale

Flatulence, or the accumulation of gas in the digestive tract leading to bloating and the passage of gas, is related to dietary intake and digestive processes. Discontinuing TPN, which bypasses the digestive system, would not directly cause an increase in flatulence. In fact, digestive issues might improve once oral or enteral feeding resumes.

Choice D rationale

Tachycardia, an abnormally rapid heart rate (typically defined as above 100 beats per minute in adults), is not a direct physiological consequence of discontinuing TPN. While changes in fluid balance or electrolyte levels (which can occur with TPN but are monitored closely) could indirectly affect heart rate, hypoglycemia is a more immediate and direct risk upon TPN cessation.