A nurse is caring for a client who has a clogged NG tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Flush the NG tube using a push and pull technique.
Irrigate the NG tube witha carbonated beverage
Use a 1 mL syringe to flush the NG tube.
Place the patient in prone position.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale
A. Flush the NG tube using a push and pull technique: The push-pull method helps dislodge debris or thick secretions by creating intermittent pressure changes within the tube. This technique is recommended to restore patency without causing excessive force that may damage the tube or gastric mucosa. It is the safest and most effective initial action for a clogged NG tube.
B. Irrigate the NG tube with a carbonated beverage: Carbonated beverages are not recommended because they can damage the tubing material and are ineffective at dissolving clogs. They may also introduce unwanted substances into the gastrointestinal tract. Current best practice favors warm sterile water rather than soda or acidic liquids.
C. Use a 1 mL syringe to flush the NG tube: A 1 mL syringe generates dangerously high pressure that could rupture the tube or injure gastric tissue. Large-volume syringes, typically 30–60 mL, are used to maintain safe, low pressure during flushing. Using a very small syringe creates risk without increasing the likelihood of clearing the obstruction.
D. Place the patient in prone position: Position changes do not clear mechanical obstructions in the NG tube and may compromise comfort or breathing. Safe NG tube management prioritizes flushing techniques rather than altering the client’s position. Changing posture will not resolve the cause of the clog and may delay appropriate intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale
A. Apply an abduction pillow to the legs: An abduction pillow is used to maintain proper hip alignment, especially after hip surgery, but it does not prevent plantar flexion contractures. Its purpose is to keep the lower extremities in proper abduction rather than address ankle mobility.
B. Use a trochanter roll: A trochanter roll helps prevent external rotation of the hip in immobile clients but does not influence ankle positioning. While important for hip alignment, it does not prevent plantar flexion contractures of the feet.
C. Use foot splints: Foot splints (or ankle-foot orthoses) maintain the feet in a neutral position, preventing plantar flexion and subsequent contracture. Regular use supports joint flexibility, reduces muscle shortening, and helps preserve functional mobility in immobile clients.
D. Prop the feet up: Elevating the feet may relieve pressure and promote circulation, but it can allow the toes to point downward and contribute to plantar flexion over time. This method is not effective in preventing contractures and may worsen the problem if used as the sole intervention.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale
A. Cyclobenzaprine: Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant used primarily for musculoskeletal spasms. It is not indicated for neuropathic pain and would not effectively manage chronic peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
B. Gabapentin: Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain, including peripheral neuropathy. It modulates nerve excitability, reducing pain and improving quality of life for clients with chronic neuropathic conditions.
C. Oxycodone: Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic typically reserved for severe nociceptive pain. Chronic neuropathic pain often responds poorly to opioids, and long-term use carries risks of tolerance, dependence, and adverse effects in older adults.
D. Naproxen: Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective for inflammatory pain but not for neuropathic pain. It does not target nerve-related pain mechanisms and poses gastrointestinal and renal risks, especially in older adults.
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