The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube. Which directions should the PN give to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
Notify the nurse if the nasogastric tube suction is not working correctly.
Report any change observed in the appearance of the nasogastric drainage.
Clamp the nasogastric tube before giving the client any fluids by mouth.
Irrigate the nasogastric tube with normal saline if the tube becomes obstructed.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Notify the nurse if the nasogastric tube suction is not working correctly: Assessing and troubleshooting suction equipment is a nursing responsibility. The UAP should not be expected to determine suction function or make related judgments.
B. Report any change observed in the appearance of the nasogastric drainage: The UAP can safely observe and report objective changes, such as color, amount, or consistency of drainage, which helps the nurse evaluate the client’s condition.
C. Clamp the nasogastric tube before giving the client any fluids by mouth: Clamping or manipulating the NG tube involves clinical judgment about the client’s readiness for oral intake and tube function, which is beyond the UAP’s role.
D. Irrigate the nasogastric tube with normal saline if the tube becomes obstructed: Irrigation requires sterile technique and assessment of tube patency, which must be performed by a nurse, not delegated to a UAP.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Pain scale: Postherpetic neuralgia, persistent nerve pain following shingles, is a common complication. Assessing pain intensity, quality, and location helps guide pain management and evaluate recovery, making it the most critical data to obtain.
B. Capillary refill: Capillary refill assesses peripheral perfusion but is not directly affected by shingles or its treatment, making it less relevant for a focused post-shingles assessment.
C. Joint mobility: While joint mobility is important in general health assessments, shingles typically does not impair joint function. Monitoring mobility is not the priority in this context.
D. Urine color: Urine color is unrelated to shingles or its treatment in most cases. Assessing it does not provide essential information for evaluating post-shingles recovery.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Encourage the newly hired PN to continue with the skill by gently snapping the ampule open: Encouraging continuation without correcting improper technique can lead to glass injury or contamination of the medication.
B. Call the charge nurse to the medication: Involving the charge nurse may be necessary if an incident occurs, but it is not the first action in this case. Immediate, direct correction of unsafe technique is within the observing PN’s responsibility to prevent harm and ensure proper aseptic practice.
C. Advise the newly hired PN to reposition the ampule: The safest initial action is to instruct the new PN to reposition the ampule correctly, typically by using a protective gauze or alcohol swab and snapping it away from the body. This prevents cuts from glass shards and maintains sterile handling of the solution.
D. Take the ampule from the newly hired PN: Physically taking the ampule could startle the new PN, increasing the risk of breakage or injury. Providing calm verbal instruction to correct the position is safer and promotes learning through guided supervision.
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