A patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube in place is experiencing respiratory distress. What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?

Elevate the head of the bed to 90 degrees

Administer a bronchodilator as prescribed.

Check the placement of the NG tube to ensure it has not dislodged into the lungs.

Increase the flow rate of the patient’s oxygen therapy.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Elevate the head of the bed to 90 degrees: While elevating the head of the bed may help ease breathing, it does not address the potential issue of NG tube misplacement.

B. Administer a bronchodilator as prescribed: This would only be appropriate if the patient’s respiratory distress were related to bronchospasm or asthma, not NG tube displacement.

C. Check the placement of the NG tube to ensure it has not dislodged into the lungs. When a patient with an NG tube experiences respiratory distress, the tube may have dislodged and entered the respiratory tract, which could obstruct breathing. Verifying the placement of the NG tube is critical to preventing aspiration or further complications.

D. Increase the flow rate of the patient’s oxygen therapy: This may provide temporary relief but does not resolve the underlying cause of the distress if the NG tube has entered the respiratory tract.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Low back pain: While this can be a symptom of a UTI, it is not unique to older adults and can be seen in various age groups.

B. Confusion: In older adults, UTIs often present with atypical symptoms, such as confusion or delirium, rather than the classic symptoms like dysuria or frequency. This can be a sign of infection in this population.

C. Urinary retention: This is not specific to UTIs in older adults and can occur for other reasons, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

D. Incontinence: Although older adults may experience incontinence, it is not a unique sign of UTI and could be related to other conditions like weakened pelvic muscles.

A. Wear sleeveless or short-sleeved shirts and shorts to better visualize any skin issues. B. Use a floss pick instead of the floss string to floss in between the teeth. C. Apply an ice pack over a bleeding wound. D. Only use a soft-bristle toothbrush.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Wear sleeveless or short-sleeved shirts and shorts to better visualize any skin issues: While wearing loose or visible clothing may allow skin issues to be seen, it does not directly prevent bleeding complications, and there are more effective measures to focus on.

B. Use a floss pick instead of the floss string to floss in between the teeth: Flossing in any form, especially using a floss pick, can still increase the risk of gum bleeding in thrombocytopenic clients. It is safer to avoid flossing altogether or consult a dentist.

C. Apply an ice pack over a bleeding wound: While applying an ice pack may reduce bleeding once it occurs, it does not prevent bleeding. The focus should be on avoiding activities that increase the risk of bleeding.

D. Only use a soft-bristle toothbrush: Using a soft-bristle toothbrush helps reduce the risk of bleeding from the gums, which is a common issue for clients with thrombocytopenia due to the reduced platelet count.

View Question and Answer

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

A patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube in place is experiencing respiratory distress. What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing an older adult client who has a urinary tract infection (UTI). Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as unique for this age group?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has end-stage liver disease and a recent diagnosis of thrombocytopenia. Which of the following statements provides the best recommendation to prevent complications of bleeding?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient with a history of ulcerative colitis presents to the clinic with complaints of fatigue, dizziness, and pallor. Upon further assessment, you suspect chronic blood loss. Which potential complication is most likely contributing to these symptoms?

A nurse is providing education to a client who has recently been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Which of the following explanations by the nurse best simplifies and explains the disorder in non-medical terms?

A patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube in place is experiencing respiratory distress. What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?

When caring for older adult clients at a long-term care facility, which of the following assessments should the nurse prioritize when evaluating for the risk and presence of urinary retention? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is reinforcing dietary instructions with a client who has episodes of biliary colic from chronic cholecystitis. Which of the following diets should the nurse reinforce in the teaching plan?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client who has been newly diagnosed with hepatitis C. The client asks how they could have contracted the virus. Which of the following nurse responses best explains how the client may have become infected with hepatitis C?