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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. I should avoid alcohol completely to prevent another episode of pancreatitis: This is correct advice, as alcohol is a common cause of pancreatitis and should be avoided.

B. I can resume my high-fat diet once my symptoms improve. A high-fat diet can trigger another episode of pancreatitis, as fat stimulates pancreatic enzymes that can exacerbate the condition. The patient should follow a low-fat diet.

C. I should take my prescribed medications as directed to manage my symptoms: This statement is appropriate and reflects adherence to the treatment plan.

D. I need to follow up with my healthcare provider regularly to monitor my condition: This is also correct, as regular monitoring is essential to managing pancreatitis.

A. Intestinal obstruction B. Hypovolemic shock C. Electrolyte imbalance D. Sepsis

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Intestinal obstruction: While peritonitis can lead to intestinal obstruction, it is not the most immediate life-threatening complication compared to hypovolemic shock or sepsis.

B. Hypovolemic shock: This is a critical condition that can occur due to severe fluid loss, which might be a concern in peritonitis due to fluid shifts into the abdominal cavity. However, the patient’s signs of systemic infection (fever, elevated heart rate, low blood pressure) suggest that sepsis is a more imminent threat.

C. Electrolyte imbalance: Electrolyte imbalances are possible due to fluid loss, but they would be secondary to the more urgent concern of hypovolemic shock.

D. Sepsis: Sepsis is the highest priority due to the patient’s vital signs and symptoms indicating a systemic infection. Early recognition and treatment of sepsis are crucial to prevent organ failure and other severe complications.

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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 patient with acute pancreatitis is being discharged from the hospital. Which statement made by the patient indicates a need for further teaching regarding their discharge instructions?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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