A nurse is administering continuous enteral feedings for a client through a percutaneous esophageal gastrostomy (PEG) tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Check gastric residuals every 8 hr.
Return gastric contents if residual is less than 250 mL.
Measure the pH of gastric residual every 24 hr.
Flush the tube with 15 mL of water every 4 hr.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Checking gastric residuals every 8 hr is not frequent enough, as it can miss signs of delayed gastric emptying, which can cause aspiration, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal distension. Gastric residuals should be checked every 4 hr.
Choice B reason: Returning gastric contents if residual is less than 250 mL is not advisable, as it can increase the risk of infection, contamination, or electrolyte imbalance. Gastric contents should be discarded if residual is more than 100 mL.
Choice C reason: Measuring the pH of gastric residual every 24 hr is not necessary, as it does not reflect the effectiveness or tolerance of the feeding. The pH of gastric residual should be checked before each feeding or every 6 to 8 hr to confirm tube placement and prevent misconnection.
Choice D reason: Flushing the tube with 15 mL of water every 4 hr is a correct action, as it can prevent clogging, maintain patency, and clear the tube of formula residue. Water should also be used to flush the tube before and after each medication administration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Navy beans and ham are good sources of potassium, which can help prevent hypokalemia, a common side effect of some diuretics. Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice B reason: Cheddar cheese is high in sodium, which can cause fluid retention and increase blood pressure. Sodium intake should be limited when taking diuretics, as they can also cause hyponatremia, a condition of low sodium levels in the blood.
Choice C reason: Beef broth is also high in sodium, which can have the same effects as cheddar cheese. In addition, beef broth is high in purines, which can increase uric acid levels and cause gout, another possible side effect of some diuretics.
Choice D reason: Baked potato is high in carbohydrates, which can raise blood glucose levels and worsen diabetes, a risk factor for hypertension. Some diuretics can also cause hyperglycemia, a condition of high blood glucose levels in the blood.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Dilute formula with 1 tablespoon of water is not a correct instruction for GER. Diluting formula can reduce the nutritional value and increase the volume of the feedings, which can worsen GER symptoms and cause dehydration and malnutrition.
Choice B reason: Place the newborn in a side-lying position if vomiting is not a correct instruction for GER. This position can increase the risk of aspiration, which is the inhalation of vomit into the lungs. Aspiration can cause pneumonia, respiratory distress, and death.
Choice C reason: Position the newborn at a 20-degree angle after feeding is a correct instruction for GER. This position can help prevent reflux by using gravity to keep the stomach contents down. The newborn should be kept upright for at least 30 minutes after each feeding.
Choice D reason: Provide a small feeding just before bedtime is not a correct instruction for GER. This can increase the likelihood of reflux during sleep, as the stomach will be full and prone to regurgitation. The last feeding should be given at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
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