A nurse is assisting in the plan of care for a client who had surgery for a bowel obstruction. The client has a nasogastric tube in place. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the client’s plan of care? (Select all that apply).
Document the color, consistency, and amount of nasogastric drainage.
Encourage hourly use of an incentive spirometer while awake.
Irrigate the nasogastric tube every 4 to 8 hr.
Perform leg exercises every 2 hr.
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A reason: Documenting the color, consistency, and amount of nasogastric drainage is an important action for the nurse to include in the client’s plan of care. This can help monitor the client’s GI function, fluid balance, and response to treatment. The normal color of nasogastric drainage is clear or yellow-green. Abnormal colors include red, brown, or black, which may indicate bleeding.
Choice B reason: Encouraging hourly use of an incentive spirometer while awake is an important action for the nurse to include in the client’s plan of care. This can help prevent respiratory complications, such as atelectasis and pneumonia, which are common after abdominal surgery. An incentive spirometer is a device that helps the client breathe deeply and expand the lungs.
Choice C reason: Irrigating the nasogastric tube every 4 to 8 hr is not an action that the nurse should include in the client’s plan of care. Routine irrigation of nasogastric tubes is not recommended, as it may increase the risk of infection, tube occlusion, or aspiration. Irrigation should only be done when indicated by specific orders or protocols, or when there is evidence of tube blockage.
Choice D reason: Performing leg exercises every 2 hr is an important action for the nurse to include in the client’s plan of care. This can help prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE), which is a serious complication that can occur after surgery due to immobility and hypercoagulability. Leg exercises can improve blood circulation and reduce stasis in the lower extremities.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: “I will feel shaky.” This is a correct statement, as shakiness is a common manifestation of hypoglycemia, which is a low blood glucose level. Hypoglycemia can cause the sympathetic nervous system to release adrenaline, which can cause tremors, nervousness, and anxiety.
Choice B: “My skin will be warm and moist.” This is an incorrect statement, as warm and moist skin is not a typical manifestation of hypoglycemia. Warm and moist skin can be a sign of hyperglycemia, which is a high blood glucose level. Hyperglycemia can cause dehydration, which can lead to sweating and flushing.
Choice C: “I will be more thirsty than usual.” This is an incorrect statement, as thirst is not a typical manifestation of hypoglycemia. Thirst can be a sign of hyperglycemia, which can cause dehydration, as the body tries to flush out excess glucose through urine.
Choice D: “My appetite will be decreased.” This is an incorrect statement, as decreased appetite is not a typical manifestation of hypoglycemia. Decreased appetite can be a sign of other conditions, such as nausea, infection, or depression. Hypoglycemia can cause increased hunger, as the body needs more glucose to function properly.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Weight loss is not a symptom of Cushing’s syndrome. On the contrary, weight gain and obesity are common signs of this condition, especially in the trunk, face and upper back1.
Choice B reason: Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is not a symptom of Cushing’s syndrome. It can be caused by other conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, menopause or anxiety.
Choice C reason: Hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin, is a symptom of Cushing’s syndrome. It occurs due to increased production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin. Hyperpigmentation can affect any part of the body, but it is more noticeable in areas exposed to friction or pressure, such as the elbows, knees, knuckles and armpits.
Choice D reason: Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not a symptom of Cushing’s syndrome. In fact, high blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the common symptoms of this condition, due to the effects of cortisol on the cardiovascular system.

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