A nurse is attending to a patient with a bowel obstruction who has been prescribed a nasogastric tube. What steps should the nurse take during the insertion of the nasogastric tube?
Remove the tube if the patient gags during insertion.
Advise the patient to tuck his chin to his chest and swallow.
Position the patient in a supine position.
Measure the tube for insertion from the nose tip to the navel.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Removing the tube immediately upon patient gagging is not the most appropriate first step. Gagging is a common reflex during nasogastric tube insertion and can often be managed without removing the tube.
Premature removal could lead to unnecessary discomfort for the patient and potential delays in treatment.
The nurse should attempt to reposition the tube or have the patient sip water to facilitate passage before considering removal.
Choice B rationale:
Tucking the chin to the chest and swallowing are essential maneuvers that help guide the tube into the esophagus and reduce the risk of misplacement into the trachea.
These actions close off the airway and open the esophagus, creating a smoother path for the tube.
The nurse should instruct the patient to perform these actions during insertion to promote successful placement.
Choice C rationale:
While a supine position is often used for nasogastric tube insertion, it is not the most crucial factor for success.
Studies have shown that a high-Fowler's position (sitting upright with head elevated) may be equally effective and potentially more comfortable for patients.
The nurse should consider patient comfort and potential contraindications (such as respiratory distress) when choosing the most appropriate position.
Choice D rationale:
Measuring the tube from the nose tip to the navel is an outdated practice that can lead to inaccurate placement. The correct measurement is from the nose tip to the earlobe to the xiphoid process (NEX).
This landmark-based method provides a more reliable estimation of the distance to the stomach.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Bilateral flank pain is not a typical sign of an allergic blood transfusion reaction. It can be associated with other conditions, such as kidney problems, musculoskeletal issues, or abdominal aortic aneurysm. While it's important to assess flank pain, it doesn't directly suggest an allergic reaction to the transfusion.
Choice B Rationale:
Distended jugular veins can indicate fluid overload, which could potentially occur during a transfusion. However, it's not a specific sign of an allergic reaction. Fluid overload can result from various causes, including heart failure, kidney problems, or excessive fluid intake. It's crucial to monitor for fluid overload during transfusions, but it doesn't definitively point to an allergic reaction.
Choice C Rationale:
Generalized urticaria, or hives, is a hallmark sign of an allergic reaction. It's characterized by raised, red, itchy welts that can appear on various parts of the body. Hives can develop rapidly and spread extensively. During a blood transfusion, generalized urticaria strongly suggests that the patient's immune system is reacting to a component of the transfused blood, such as proteins or antibodies.
Choice D Rationale:
Blood pressure 184/92 mm Hg is elevated and could be concerning, but it's not specific to allergic reactions. High blood pressure can have various causes, including stress, pain, anxiety, or underlying hypertension. While monitoring blood pressure during transfusions is essential, it doesn't directly indicate an allergic reaction.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Recapping needles is a dangerous practice that significantly increases the risk of needlestick injuries.
The act of recapping involves directing the sharp end of the needle towards one's hand, creating a high likelihood of accidental puncture.
Even experienced healthcare professionals are susceptible to needlestick injuries during recapping.
Wastebaskets are not designed for the safe disposal of sharps and can easily be punctured, leading to potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Choice B rationale:
While it is true that needles should not be recapped on ABG specimens, this option does not address the broader issue of safe needle disposal in general.
Focusing solely on ABG specimens could lead to the misconception that recapping is acceptable for other types of needles.
Choice D rationale:
Breaking needles in half is not recommended as a standard practice for needle disposal.
This action can create sharp fragments that are difficult to handle and can still cause injuries.
Sharps disposal containers are designed to safely contain intact needles and should be used as the primary method of disposal.
Choice C rationale:
Placing uncapped needles directly into a puncture-proof container is the safest and most recommended practice for needle disposal.
These containers are specifically designed to prevent needlestick injuries by shielding the sharps from accidental contact. They are typically made of hard plastic or metal and are clearly labeled for biohazard waste.
Using puncture-proof containers consistently for all needle disposal significantly reduces the risk of needlestick injuries among healthcare workers.
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