A client with severe malnutrition is admitted to the hospital.
Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Insert nasogastric tube and begin enteral feeding.
Teach the patient to increase protein intake and to eat five to seven times a day.
Implement strict NPO status and initiate total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
Teach the patient to rinse their mouth with alcohol-based mouthwash prior to meals.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
For a client with severe malnutrition, immediate intervention is necessary to address nutritional deficiencies. Inserting a nasogastric tube and beginning enteral feeding is the first step to provide essential nutrients, stabilize the patient's condition, and prevent further complications from malnutrition.
Choice B rationale
Teaching the patient to increase protein intake and to eat more frequently is important but not the immediate priority in a case of severe malnutrition. This can be addressed after initial stabilization and nutritional support.
Choice C rationale
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is an option for patients who cannot tolerate enteral feeding, but initiating strict NPO status without first attempting enteral feeding is not the best initial approach. Enteral feeding is generally preferred if the gastrointestinal tract is functional.
Choice D rationale
Rinsing the mouth with alcohol-based mouthwash before meals is not a priority in managing severe malnutrition. It does not address the immediate need for nutritional support and could be harmful if ingested.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While a reduced-calorie diet may be helpful in some conditions, patients with hyperthyroidism typically require high-calorie diets due to their elevated metabolic rate.
Choice B rationale
Small, frequent meals high in protein and carbohydrates help to meet the increased metabolic demands and prevent muscle wasting in hyperthyroid patients.
Choice C rationale
Large, bland meals are not ideal as patients with hyperthyroidism have high metabolic rates and may require more frequent nutrient intake.
Choice D rationale
While fiber is beneficial for digestive health, it does not specifically address the high metabolic needs of hyperthyroid patients.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Dairy milk is a rich source of calcium, which is essential for patients with hypoparathyroidism. This condition leads to low levels of parathyroid hormone, causing hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood). Including calcium-rich foods like dairy milk helps to manage this deficiency and maintain normal calcium levels.
Choice B rationale
Eggs provide some calcium, but their primary nutritional value is their protein content. While beneficial for overall health, eggs alone are not sufficient to address the calcium needs of patients with hypoparathyroidism, who require higher calcium intake.
Choice C rationale
Spinach contains calcium; however, it also has high levels of oxalates, which can bind to calcium and reduce its absorption in the body. Therefore, relying on spinach for calcium intake is not ideal for patients with hypoparathyroidism, who need to maximize calcium absorption to manage their condition effectively.
Choice D rationale
Green beans are nutritious and provide some calcium, but they are not among the top sources of calcium required for managing hypoparathyroidism. Patients with this condition need higher calcium intake from more concentrated sources like dairy products.
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