A client is receiving a continuous gastric tube feeding at 80 mL/hour. The nurse records the client's gastric residual volume as 325 mL during each of two consecutive hourly measurements. What assessment should the nurse complete before contacting the healthcare provider?
Observe for abdominal distention,
Calculate 24-hour caloric intake.
Measure the urinary output.
Check for body weight changes.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A
Observing for abdominal distention is recommended. Gastric residual volume (GRV) is the amount of formula or food remaining in the stomach after a feeding through a gastric tube. A GRV of 325 mL is relatively high, and it's important to assess the client for signs of potential complications before contacting the healthcare provider. Observe for signs of abdominal distention, which could indicate that the stomach is not adequately emptying or that the feeding is not being tolerated well.
Choice B
Calculating 24-hour caloric intake is not recommended: While monitoring caloric intake is important for overall nutritional assessment, it does not address the immediate concern of a high GRV and the potential need for adjustment of the feeding rate or management.
Choice C
Measuring urinary output is not recommended: Urinary output is important to monitor for fluid balance, but it may not be directly related to the elevated GRV.
Choice D
Checking for body weight changes is not recommended: Monitoring body weight is essential for assessing nutritional status, but it may not provide immediate insights into the impact of the elevated GRV.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A
Apples and blueberries are incorrect. While apples and blueberries are sources of nutrients, they are not as high in potassium as avocados and bananas.
Choice B
Avocados and bananas are correct. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often requires dietary modifications to manage electrolyte and mineral imbalances. In CKD stage 4, the kidney's ability to filter waste and excess substances from the blood is significantly impaired. Therefore, certain foods that are high in potassium should be limited to prevent hyperkalaemia (elevated blood potassium levels).
Choice C
Cherries and cranberries are incorrect. Cherries and cranberries are also sources of nutrients, but their potassium content is not as high as that of avocados and bananas.
Choice D
Carrots and green beans are incorrect. Carrots and green beans are vegetables that are generally lower in potassium compared to fruits like avocados and bananas.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A
Serum HDL (high-density lipoprotein) of 35 mg/dL (0.91 mmol/L). Among the options provided, a serum HDL level of 35 mg/dL (0.91 mmol/L) is the assessment data that indicates the need for referral to a nutritionist. HDL is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. In this case, the HDL level of 35 mg/dL is below the recommended reference range for females (greater than 55 mg/dL or greater than 0.91 mmol/L), which could suggest a potential need for dietary and lifestyle interventions to improve cardiovascular health.
Choice B
Serum HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) of 4.8% (0.05) is incorrect. This HbA1c level is within the normal reference range (4% to 5.9%) and indicates good blood sugar control.
Choice C
BMI (body mass index) of 22 kg/m² is incorrect. A BMI of 22 is within the normal weight range and might not necessarily indicate the need for a nutritionist referral.
Choice D
Total serum calcium of 10 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L) is incorrect. This calcium level is within the normal reference range and might not require a nutritionist referral, unless there are other specific concerns related to calcium intake.
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