Which technique is most reliable to confirm correct placement of a nasogastric tube prior to initiating tube feedings?
Fluoroscopy to identify location.
Aspirate contents and measure the pH.
Inject air and listen for gurgling sounds.
Observe for bubbles after placing the end of the tube in a cup of water.
The Correct Answer is B
This is because the pH of gastric contents is acidic (less than 5.5) and can indicate that the tube is in the stomach. This method is predictive of the correct placement of a nasogastric tube.
Choice A is wrong because fluoroscopy is not the most reliable method to confirm the correct placement of a nasogastric tube. It is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to show the movement of the tube, but it is not always available or feasible.
Choice C is wrong because injecting air and listening for gurgling sounds is not a reliable method to confirm the correct placement of a nasogastric tube. It can cause false-positive results and does not differentiate between the stomach and the respiratory tract.
Choice D is wrong because observing for bubbles after placing the end of the tube in a cup of water is not a reliable method to confirm the correct placement of a nasogastric tube. It can also cause false-positive results and does not differentiate between the stomach and the respiratory tract.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
pc stands for post cibum, which means after meals in Latin. This abbreviation indicates that a medication is to be administered after the patient has eaten.
Choice A is wrong because hs stands for hora somni, which means at bedtime in Latin. This abbreviation indicates that a medication is to be administered before the patient goes to sleep.
Choice B is wrong because prn stands for pro re nata, which means as needed in Latin. This abbreviation indicates that a medication is to be administered only when the patient requires it.
Choice C is wrong because ac stands for ante cibum, which means before meals in Latin. This abbreviation indicates that a medication is to be administered before the patient eats.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Using an automatic BP cuff with a shivering client with a history of an irregular heart rate can result in inaccurate and low readings.

This is because shivering can interfere with the cuff inflation and deflation, and an irregular heart rate can affect the accuracy of the device.
The nurse should intervene and use a manual BP cuff with a stethoscope instead.
Choice B is wrong because pulling the client’s ear pinna backward, up and out to obtain a tympanic membrane temperature is the correct technique for adults and older children. This helps to straighten the ear canal and allow the light to reflect on the tympanic membrane, which shares the same vascular artery as the hypothalamus.
Choice C is wrong because counting the client’s radial pulse who is supine with the forearm straight alongside the body is an appropriate method.
The radial pulse can be easily palpated at the wrist, and the supine position and straight forearm do not affect the pulse rate.
Choice D is wrong because counting the respirations for one full minute for a client with tachypnea is a recommended practice.
Tachypnea means rapid breathing, and counting for one full minute can ensure accuracy and detect any variations in the respiratory pattern.
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