The charge nurse observes a new nurse during the administration of two different liquid medications at once through a gastrostomy tube used for enteral feeding. The charge nurse observes the new nurse's actions. What action(s) should the charge nurse take? (Select all that apply.)
Encourage the novice to flush the tube with more water.
Instruct the novice to administer each medication separately.
Add the liquid volumes when documenting fluid intake.
Confirm that the novice determined the amount of gastric residual.
Advise the novice to use the plunger when giving medications.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
The correct answer is A, B, C, and D.
Choice A reason: Flushing the gastrostomy tube with water is essential to maintain tube patency and prevent medication interactions. It should be done before and after medication administration. The typical amount of water used for flushing can range from 15 to 30 mL.
Choice B reason: Administering each medication separately is a critical practice to prevent drug interactions and ensure that the full dose of each medication is delivered. It also helps in preventing the clogging of the tube.
Choice C reason: Documenting all liquid volumes, including medications and water used for flushing, is important for accurate fluid intake records. This helps in maintaining fluid balance and monitoring the patient’s hydration status.
Choice D reason: Checking gastric residual volume is important to assess the patient’s tolerance to enteral feeding and to prevent complications such as aspiration. Normal gastric residual volumes are generally considered to be less than 250 mL.
Choice E reason: Using a plunger to administer medications through a gastrostomy tube is not always recommended. Medications should be administered slowly to prevent discomfort or harm, and the use of a plunger is not a standard practice across all healthcare settings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Moderate amount of foul-smelling lochia. This is the most indicative finding of a postpartum infection, as it suggests that the client has endometritis, which is an inflammation of the uterine lining. Endometritis is a common cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, and requires prompt antibiotic treatment.
Choice B: Blood pressure of 122/74 mm Hg. This is a normal blood pressure for a postpartum client, and does not indicate an infection. The reference range for blood pressure is 90/60 to 140/90 mm Hg.
Choice C: Oral temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C.. This is a slightly elevated temperature for a postpartum client, but it does not necessarily indicate an infection. The reference range for oral temperature is 97.6 to 99.6°F (36.4 to 37.6°C.. A mild fever may occur in the first 24 hours after delivery due to dehydration or hormonal changes.
Choice D: White blood cell count of 19,000/mm³ (19 x 10⁹/L). This is a high white blood cell count for a postpartum client, but it does not indicate an infection. The reference range for white blood cell count is 5,000 to 10,000/mm³ (5 to 10 x 10⁹/L). A leukocytosis may occur in the first few days after delivery due to stress or tissue injury.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Marking an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area is not a priority nursing action. The mass is caused by hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter, which obstructs gastric emptying and causes projectile vomiting. The mass may not be palpable in all cases.
Choice B reason: Instructing parents regarding care of the incisional area is a post-operative nursing action, not a pre-operative one. The parents will need to learn how to keep the incision clean and dry, monitor for signs of infection, and administer pain medication as prescribed.
Choice C reason: Monitoring amount of intake and infant's response to feedings is important, but not the highest priority. The infant may have difficulty feeding due to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
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