A hospitalized client who has an advance directive and healthcare power of attorney is receiving enteral nutrition through a nasogastric (NG) tube. The client vomits and appears to be choking. Which action should the nurse take?
Irrigate the nasogastric tube with water.
Review the advance directive document.
Elevate the head of bed 45 degrees.
Perform oropharyngeal suctioning.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is: d. Perform oropharyngeal suctioning.
Choice A: Irrigate the nasogastric tube with water
Reason: Irrigating the nasogastric tube with water is not appropriate when a client is choking and vomiting. This action could potentially worsen the situation by introducing more fluid into the stomach, increasing the risk of aspiration.
Choice B: Review the advance directive document
Reason: Reviewing the advance directive document is not an immediate action to take when a client is choking. Advance directives provide guidance on the client’s wishes for medical treatment but do not address acute emergency interventions.
Choice C: Elevate the head of bed 45 degrees
Reason: Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees can help reduce the risk of aspiration by using gravity to keep stomach contents down. However, this action alone is not sufficient to address the immediate choking hazard.
Choice D: Perform oropharyngeal suctioning
Reason: Performing oropharyngeal suctioning is the correct action because it directly addresses the choking hazard by clearing the airway of vomit and other obstructions. This is a critical step to ensure the client’s airway is clear and they can breathe properly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because it reflects a measurable and realistic goal that addresses the client's problem of activity intolerance related to pain. Ambulation promotes circulation, prevents complications, and enhances recovery.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because it does not address the problem of activity intolerance related to pain. Avoiding pain-causing activity may lead to immobility and further complications.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because it does not address the problem of activity intolerance related to pain. Incision healing is an expected outcome of wound care, not activity.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because it does not address the problem of activity intolerance related to pain. Taking analgesics as prescribed may help relieve pain, but it does not promote activity.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Massage the injection site to increase absorption is not a correct instruction because it may cause bruising and bleeding. Low-molecular-weight heparin is absorbed quickly without massaging.
Choice B: Rotate injections between the abdomen and gluteal areas is not a correct instruction because it may increase the risk of hematoma and infection. The abdomen is preferred over other sites for low-molecular-weight heparin injections.
Choice C: Expel the air in the prefilled syringe prior to injection is not a correct instruction because it may result in loss of medication and inaccurate dosing. The air bubble in the prefilled syringe should be left intact.
Choice D: Inject in abdominal area at least 2 inches from the umbilicus is a correct instruction because it ensures adequate subcutaneous tissue and avoids major blood vessels and organs.

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