Which is the best approach to change nasogastric tube tape that has become crusted with secretions?
Soak the crusted areas of tape with adhesive remover.
Saturate the tape with a denatured alcohol solution.
Use blunt-edged scissors to loosen the tape from the skin.
Soften the secretions using a warm moist washcloth.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because soaking the crusted areas of tape with adhesive remover is not the best approach to change nasogastric tube tape that has become crusted with secretions. Adhesive remover is a solvent that can dissolve the glue that holds the tape to the skin. However, it can also irritate the skin and cause redness, burning, or allergic reactions. The nurse should avoid using adhesive remover on the patient's face, especially near the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because saturating the tape with a denatured alcohol solution is not the best approach to change nasogastric tube tape that has become crusted with secretions. Denatured alcohol is a mixture of ethanol and other chemicals that can dissolve the glue that holds the tape to the skin. However, it can also dry out the skin and cause cracking, peeling, or bleeding. The nurse should avoid using denatured alcohol on the patient's face, especially near the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because using blunt-edged scissors to loosen the tape from the skin is not the best approach to change nasogastric tube tape that has become crusted with secretions. Blunt-edged scissors are scissors that have rounded tips instead of sharp points. They can be used to cut the tape without injuring the skin. However, they can also pull or tug on the skin and cause pain, discomfort, or damage. The nurse should avoid using scissors on the patient's face, especially near the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because softening the secretions using a warm moist washcloth is the best approach to change nasogastric tube tape that has become crusted with secretions. A warm moist washcloth is a cloth that is soaked in warm water and wrung out. It can be applied gently to the crusted areas of tape to soften the secretions and loosen the tape from the skin. It can also soothe the skin and prevent irritation or infection. The nurse should use a clean washcloth for each application and discard it after use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Documenting the finding in the patient’s medical record is an important step, but not the most appropriate first action of the nurse. The nurse should first confirm the irregularity by counting the apical pulse.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Assessing the brachial pulse for a pulse deficit is a useful technique, but not the most appropriate first action of the nurse. A pulse deficit is the difference between the apical and radial pulse rates. The nurse should first count the apical pulse before comparing it with the radial pulse.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Notifying the health care provider immediately is a necessary step, but not the most appropriate first action of the nurse. The nurse should first gather more information by counting the apical pulse and determining the type and severity of the irregularity.
Choice D reason: This is correct. Counting the patient’s apical pulse for one full minute is the most appropriate first action of the nurse. The apical pulse is the most accurate way to measure the heart rate and rhythm. The nurse should listen to the heart sounds at the apex of the heart, which is located at the fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line. The nurse should count the number of beats and note any irregularities, such as skipped, extra, or uneven beats..
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Wiping up the liquid with paper towels and gloves can spread the mercury droplets and increase the risk of exposure. Mercury can also penetrate through nitrile gloves and cause skin irritation.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Disinfecting the area with chlorine bleach can create toxic vapours that can harm the respiratory system. Chlorine bleach is not effective in removing mercury from the surface.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Contacting the housekeeping staff to mop up the liquid can delay the proper clean-up and disposal of mercury. Mopping can also disperse the mercury droplets and contaminate the mop and the water.
Choice D reason: This is correct. Consulting the agency’s materials safety data sheets (MSDS) is the priority action of the nurse. MSDS provide information on the hazards, precautions, and procedures for handling and disposing of mercury. The nurse should follow the MSDS guidelines and use the appropriate equipment and methods to clean up the spill.
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