A nurse is caring for a client in a long-term care facility who is receiving enteral feedings via an NG tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take prior to administering the tube feeding?
Assist the client to low Fowler's position.
Warm the feeding solution to body temperature.
Discard any residual gastric contents.
Test the pH of gastric aspirate.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Assist the client to low Fowler's position:
Placing the client in a semi-upright or low Fowler's position during and after the feeding helps prevent aspiration and facilitates digestion. This position reduces the risk of regurgitation and reflux.
B. Warm the feeding solution to body temperature:
Ensuring the feeding solution is at room temperature or slightly warmer can enhance the client's comfort and reduce the risk of cramping or discomfort caused by cold fluids.
C. Discard any residual gastric contents:
Before initiating a new feeding, it's essential to check and discard any residual gastric contents from the previous feeding to prevent contamination, ensure accurate measurement, and minimize the risk of bacterial growth.
D. Test the pH of gastric aspirate:
Checking the pH of gastric aspirate is an important step to confirm the proper placement of the NG tube in the stomach. Gastric pH is typically acidic (pH less than 5), indicating the correct placement of the tube in the stomach rather than the respiratory tract, where the pH is higher (more alkaline).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Proliferation Phase:
Explanation: This phase involves the formation of new tissue to fill the wound space. It includes granulation tissue formation and wound contraction.
B. Inflammation Phase:
Explanation: This is the initial phase characterized by hemostasis and inflammation, aimed at stopping bleeding and preventing infection. Blood vessels constrict, platelets aggregate, and inflammatory cells arrive at the wound site.
C. Maturation Phase:
Explanation: Also known as the remodeling phase, it involves the remodeling and realignment of collagen fibers and the strengthening of scar tissue.
D. Remodeling Phase:
Explanation: Remodeling and maturation are often considered together as the final stage of wound healing, where collagen fibers reorganize and gain strength.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Apply Neosporin to avoid infection:
This choice suggests applying Neosporin to the surgical site. However, the immediate postoperative care for cleft lip surgery often involves keeping the incision site covered with sterile dressings. Topical antibiotics may be prescribed by the healthcare provider if deemed necessary, but it's not a routine application without specific instructions.
B. Apply elbow immobilizers when not being held:
This choice implies using elbow immobilizers for the child. However, elbow immobilizers are not a standard intervention for cleft lip surgery. The focus is usually on keeping the surgical site clean and preventing complications like infection.
C. Suction secretions away from the suture line:
This is the recommended choice. Suctioning helps maintain a clear airway and prevents secretions from affecting the surgical site. It's a crucial step in the immediate postoperative period.
D. Feed increased amounts of formula to prevent weight loss:
While feeding is an essential aspect of care, especially for nutritional support, the immediate concern in the first few days after cleft lip surgery is often related to maintaining a patent airway and preventing infection. Feeding interventions might be guided by the healthcare provider's recommendations, but it's not the primary focus in the initial postoperative period.
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