A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving enteral feedings via an NG tube.
The client has developed hyperosmolar dehydration.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take when administering the client's feedings?
Reposition the NG tube.
Increase the rate of formula delivery.
Add water to the formula.
Switch to a lactose-free formula.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Repositioning the NG tube is not the appropriate action for hyperosmolar dehydration. This condition occurs due to an excessive concentration of solutes in the body, leading to a decrease in intracellular water. Repositioning the tube would not address the hyperosmolarity issue.
Choice B rationale:
Increasing the rate of formula delivery may exacerbate the problem by introducing more concentrated formula into the client's system, worsening hyperosmolarity. This choice can lead to further dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Choice C rationale:
Adding water to the formula is the correct action in this scenario. Hyperosmolar dehydration requires dilution of the concentrated formula to reduce the osmolarity. By adding water to the formula, the nurse can decrease the concentration of solutes, helping to rehydrate the client effectively.
Choice D rationale:
Switching to a lactose-free formula is not the appropriate intervention for hyperosmolar dehydration. The issue lies in the concentration of the formula, not in its lactose content. Adding water is the more suitable and direct approach to address the problem.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Performing gastrostomy feedings through an established gastrostomy tube is within the scope of practice for an AP, as it is a routine, non-complex task.
B. Evaluating the effectiveness of pain medication requires assessment skills, which fall under the nurse’s scope of practice.
C. Providing client care instructions requires nursing judgment and should be done by the nurse.
D. Teaching a client how to measure their blood pressure involves client education, which is the nurse’s responsibility.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- A. Correct. The nurse should initiate continuous cardiac monitoring because a magnesium level of 2.7 mEq/L indicates hypermagnesemia, which can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, hypotension, and bradycardia.
- B. Incorrect. The nurse should not administer potassium chloride to a client who has hypermagnesemia because it can worsen the condition by increasing the intracellular magnesium level and decreasing the serum calcium level.
- C. Incorrect. The nurse should not provide a diet rich in legumes, nuts, and green vegetables to a client who has hypermagnesemia because these foods are high in magnesium and can increase the serum magnesium level.
- D. Incorrect. The nurse should not monitor the client for tetany because tetany is a sign of hypomagnesemia, not hypermagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia can cause neuromuscular excitability, muscle spasms, and positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs
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