A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a school-age child who was brought in by their parents and has scald burns to both hands and wrists. The nurse suspects physical abuse.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Aspirate contents from the tube and verify the pH level.

• A. This is an incorrect action. Inserting air in the tube and listening for gurgling sounds in the epigastric area is not a reliable method to confirm NG tube placement, as it can produce falsepositive results due to air entering the stomach or intestines.
• B. This is a correct action. Aspirating contents from the tube and verifying the pH level is a valid method to confirm NG tube placement, as gastric contents typically have a pH of less than 5.5, while intestinal or respiratory contents have a higher pH.
• C. This is an incorrect action. Reviewing the medical record for previous x-ray verification of placement is not sufficient to confirm NG tube placement, as the tube can migrate or become dislodged after insertion. X-ray verification should be done initially and whenever there is doubt about the tube's position.
• D. This is an incorrect action. Auscultating the lungs for adventitious breath sounds is not a specific method to confirm NG tube placement, as it can indicate other conditions such as pneumonia or pulmonary edema. It can also miss signs of respiratory complications due to NG tube misplacement, such as pneumothorax or bronchial obstruction.

Choice A rationale:

Storing personal items together on a shelf in the bathroom promotes organization and reduces the risk of tripping or falling over scattered items. Keeping the environment tidy and free of clutter is an essential fall prevention strategy, especially in areas where the client moves frequently.

Choice Brationale:

Wearing a yellow wristband to indicate a fall risk is a common practice in healthcare facilities. However, merely wearing the wristband does not demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fall prevention strategies. While it is essential for healthcare providers to identify patients at risk of falling, educating the patient about specific strategies to prevent falls is equally important.

Choice C rationale:

Keeping the overhead lights on at all times does not necessarily indicate an understanding of fall prevention strategies. While adequate lighting is important to prevent falls, leaving lights on continuously may not be necessary during daylight hours. It is more effective to ensure there is adequate lighting in commonly used areas and during nighttime hours.

Choice Drationale:

Wearing a restraint around the waist is not a recommended fall prevention strategy. Physical restraints are generally discouraged in healthcare settings due to ethical concerns and the potential to cause harm to the patient. Restraints can lead to complications such as pressure ulcers, loss of muscle strength, and decreased mobility.