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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A

Sending fluid specimen to the lab should be implemented. Cloudy green fluid aspirated from a nasogastric tube (NGT) can indicate that the tube is in the wrong place, likely in the respiratory tract (trachea) instead of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach). The green colour suggests the presence of bile, which is normally found in the stomach but not in the respiratory tract. This is a serious situation that requires immediate attention.

The most appropriate intervention in this case is to send the fluid specimen to the lab for analysis. This is important for confirmation of the content and to guide further steps. The nurse should also consult the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course of action, which might involve removing and reinserting the NGT correctly.

Choice B

Withdrawing the NGT and reinsert should not be implemented. If the NGT is in the wrong place, reinserting it without further assessment could worsen the situation. The nurse should not reinsert the NGT until the correct placement is confirmed.

Choice C

Connecting the NGT to wall suction should not be implemented. Connecting the NGT to wall suction without verifying its placement could cause harm, especially if the tube is in the respiratory tract.

Choice D

Determine pH value of specimen should not be implemented. While assessing the pH of aspirated fluid can help confirm the location of the NGT, sending the specimen to the lab for analysis is a more comprehensive action in this situation, as it allows for more detailed examination and guidance for appropriate next steps.

A. Urinary ketones. B. Serum protein. C. Serum osmolarity. D. Capillary glucose.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct answer: D

Choice A

Urinary ketones are not most important. Monitoring urinary ketones can provide information about the utilization of glucose and fat as energy sources. However, it is not the primary lab value to monitor in TPN administration.

Choice B

Serum protein is not most important. Monitoring serum protein levels is important to assess nutritional status, but it might not be as immediate a concern as serum osmolarity.

Choice C

Serum osmolarity reflects the concentration of particles (such as electrolytes, glucose, and other solutes) in the blood. Monitoring serum osmolarity is importantto prevent complications related to fluid and electrolyte imbalances that can arise from the administration of TPN.Blood glucose levels (option D) are more critical because TPN can significantly impact glucose metabolism

Choice D

When caring for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), the nurse’spriorityis tomonitor blood glucose levels. TPN can affect blood glucose, and observing for signs of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia is crucial.Additionally, administering insulin as directed based on blood glucose levels is essential.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

While assessing placement of a nasogastric tube (NGT), the nurse aspirates cloudy green fluid into a syringe. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

While caring for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), it is most important for the nurse to monitor which of the client's lab values?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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