A patient has a new order for intermittent nasogastric feedings every 4 hours. The nasogastric tube is placed by the nurse. What is the most accurate method for confirming the placement of the tube before initiating the feeding?
Auscultate the right upper quadrant of the abdomen while injecting air into the tube.
Obtain radiography of the abdomen
Auscultate the left upper quadrant of the abdomen while injecting air into the tube.
Check the pH of fluid aspirated from the tube.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Auscultating the right upper quadrant of the abdomen while injecting air into the tube is an outdated and unreliable method for confirming tube placement. This technique can lead to false positives and is not recommended.
B. Obtaining radiography of the abdomen is a highly accurate method for confirming nasogastric tube placement but is not always the first-line method due to the need for imaging and exposure to radiation. However, it may be used if other methods are uncertain.
C. Auscultating the left upper quadrant of the abdomen while injecting air into the tube is another outdated and unreliable method, similar to auscultating the right upper quadrant.
D. Checking the pH of fluid aspirated from the tube is the most accurate and recommended method. Gastric fluid typically has a pH of 1.5 to 3.5, whereas respiratory or intestinal fluids have higher pH levels. Checking the pH is a simple and reliable way to confirm the placement of the nasogastric tube.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["7"]
Explanation
- Available furosemide is at a concentration of 10 mg/mL.
- The ordered dose is 70 mg.
- To find the volume, divide the ordered dose by the concentration:
- 70 mg / 10 mg/mL = 7 mL
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Pneumothorax is a potential complication immediately following the insertion of a central venous catheter, especially with insertion through the subclavian vein. It occurs when the needle or catheter punctures the lung, allowing air to enter the pleural space. This is a critical, time-sensitive complication that needs immediate evaluation.
B. Central venous thrombosis is a concern over a longer period and is not an immediate complication following catheter insertion.
C. Hypoglycemia could occur later with TPN administration but is not an immediate concern following catheter placement.
D. Pulmonary aspiration is unrelated to the insertion of a central venous catheter. It is more relevant to issues with enteral feedings or swallowing difficulties.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
