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. BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen):
Explanation: BUN is a measure of kidney function and hydration status. It is not typically elevated in response to a localized infection like a pressure ulcer.
B. WBC count (White Blood Cell count):
Explanation: An elevation in the WBC count is a common indicator of infection. Increased white blood cells suggest the body's immune response to an infection.
C. Potassium:
Explanation: Potassium levels are not typically used to indicate the presence of infection. Elevated potassium may be seen in conditions affecting kidney function.
D. RBC count (Red Blood Cell count):
Explanation: The RBC count is not a specific marker for infection. It is more related to issues such as anemia or oxygen-carrying capacity.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Iron:
Function: Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It is vital for oxygen transport and overall cellular function.
Relevance: Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, characterized by reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, resulting in fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.
B. Magnesium:
Function: Magnesium is involved in various cellular processes, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and bone health.
Relevance: While magnesium has important functions in the body, it is not directly involved in the transport of oxygen like iron.
C. Phosphorus:
Function: Phosphorus is a key component of DNA, RNA, and ATP, playing a role in energy metabolism, bone health, and acid-base balance.
Relevance: While important for cellular processes, phosphorus is not specifically linked to the transport of oxygen.
D. Potassium:
Function: Potassium is crucial for maintaining proper fluid balance, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions.
Relevance: Potassium is not directly involved in the transport of oxygen; its primary functions are related to electrolyte balance and cellular activities.
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