A male client with a nasogastric tube connected to low intermittent suction tells the nurse that his mouth is very dry. Which action should the nurse implement?
Instill 50 mL of normal saline solution into the tube and clamp the tube for one hour.
Turn the suction off while allowing the client to rinse his mouth with cool water.
Provide oral sponge toothettes so the client can cleanse and moisten his mouth.
Teach the client that the oral mucosa must remain dry to prevent aspiration.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because instilling normal saline solution into the nasogastric tube can cause fluid overload, electrolyte imbalance, or aspiration. Clamping the tube for one hour can also increase the risk of aspiration and gastric distension.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because turning the suction off can cause gastric distension and discomfort. Rinsing the mouth with cool water can also increase the risk of aspiration if the client swallows some of the water.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because oral sponge toothettes are soft and gentle on the oral mucosa and can help moisten and cleanse the mouth without causing irritation or aspiration.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because teaching the client that the oral mucosa must remain dry is false and can lead to further dryness, cracking, bleeding, and infection. The oral mucosa should be kept moist and clean to prevent these complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Massaging the injection site can cause bruising and bleeding, and is not recommended for subcutaneous heparin injections.
Choice B Reason: Rotating injections between different body sites can increase the risk of hematoma formation and skin irritation, and is not advised for subcutaneous heparin injections.
Choice C Reason: Expelling the air in the prefilled syringe can result in a loss of medication dose, and is not necessary for subcutaneous heparin injections.
Choice D Reason: Injecting in the abdominal area at least 2 inches from the umbilicus is the correct technique for subcutaneous heparin injections, as it reduces the risk of injury to blood vessels and nerves, and ensures consistent absorption of the medication.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
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.
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