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 B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because lifting and locking the side rails in place is a standard safety measure for all clients, but it does not address the specific risk of respiratory depression caused by morphine and OSA.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because applying the client's positive airway pressure device can help maintain airway patency and prevent hypoxia and hypercapnia, which are common complications of OSA and opioid use.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because elevating the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle can help reduce chest pain and dyspnea, but it does not prevent airway obstruction or respiratory depression.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because removing dentures or other oral appliances can help prevent aspiration, but it does not affect the client's breathing pattern or oxygenation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Remind the UAP to dry between the client’s toes completely is not the best action because it does not address the risk of spillage and wetness on the bed. Drying between the toes is important to prevent fungal infections, but it can be done after removing the basin.
Choice B: Advise the UAP that this procedure is damaging to the skin is not the best action because it is not accurate and may cause confusion. Soaking the foot in warm water is not harmful to the skin, unless it is too hot or too long.
Choice C: Add skin cream to the basin of water while the foot is soaking is not the best action because it does not solve the problem and may waste the cream. Skin cream should be applied after drying the foot, not mixed with water.
Choice D: Remove the basin of water from the client’s bed immediately is the best action because it prevents potential hazards such as soaking, infection, or electric shock. The nurse should ensure that the bed is dry and clean before continuing with the bath.
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