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 D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because positioning the head with the chin tilted slightly downward can help prevent aspiration by closing the airway and directing food to the back of the throat.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because raising the head of the bed to 60 degrees can help prevent aspiration by using gravity to keep food in the stomach and away from the lungs.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because placing food on the unaffected side of the mouth can help prevent aspiration by stimulating the intact nerves and muscles that control swallowing.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because allowing 30 minutes of rest before feeding can increase the risk of aspiration by reducing the client's alertness and coordination. The UAP should feed the client when he or she is awake and responsive.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because hematocrit is a measure of the percentage of red blood cells in the blood, which can indicate anemia or polycythemia, but not infection.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because neutrophil count is a measure of the number of neutrophils, which are white blood cells that fight infection and inflammation. A high neutrophil count can indicate a bacterial infection, such as in the wound.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because serum potassium and sodium levels are measures of the electrolyte balance in the blood, which can indicate dehydration, fluid overload, or kidney dysfunction, but not infection.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because blood pH level is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the blood, which can indicate acidosis or alkalosis, but not infection.
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