A nurse is caring for a client who has bleeding esophageal varices and is being treated with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?
Deflate the balloons for 5 min every 2 hr to prevent tissue necrosis.
Keep the head of the bed flat at all times to prevent the development of shock.
Maintain constant observation while the balloons are inflated.
Suction the tube every 2 hr and as needed to maintain patency.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect. The balloons should not be deflated without a physician's order, as this can cause rebleeding or aspiration.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect. The head of the bed should be elevated to 30 to 45 degrees to reduce pressure on the balloons and prevent gastric reflux.
Choice C Reason: This is correct. The nurse should monitor the client closely for signs of complications, such as airway obstruction, aspiration, or balloon rupture. The nurse should also keep scissors at the bedside to cut the tube and release the balloons in case of an emergency.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect. The tube should not be suctioned, as this can damage the mucosa and cause bleeding. The nurse should only aspirate gastric contents through the gastric lumen to decompress the stomach.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect. Widening pulse pressure is not a sign of hypovolemic shock, but rather of increased intracranial pressure or aortic regurgitation. Hypovolemic shock causes narrowing pulse pressure due to decreased stroke volume and increased peripheral resistance.
Choice B Reason: This is correct. Increased heart rate is a sign of hypovolemic shock, as the body tries to compensate for the decreased blood volume and cardiac output by increasing the heart rate and contractility.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect. Increased deep tendon reflexes are not a sign of hypovolemic shock, but rather of hyperreflexia or tetany. Hypovolemic shock causes decreased deep tendon reflexes due to reduced perfusion and oxygenation of the muscles and nerves.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect. Pulse oximetry 96% is not a sign of hypovolemic shock, but rather of normal oxygen saturation. Hypovolemic shock causes decreased pulse oximetry due to hypoxia and impaired gas exchange.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice a) is incorrect because troponin is not an enzyme, but a protein. Enzymes are molecules that speed up chemical reactions in the body. Troponin does not have this function.
Choice b) is correct because troponin is a protein that binds to calcium and regulates the contraction of heart muscle fibers. When the heart muscle is injured, such as in a myocardial infarction, troponin leaks into the bloodstream and can be detected by a blood test. The higher the level of troponin, the more severe the damage to the heart.
Choice c) is incorrect because troponin does not help transport oxygen throughout the body. That function is performed by hemoglobin, which is a protein found in red blood cells.
Choice d) is incorrect because troponin is not a lipid, but a protein. Lipids are fats that are used for energy storage and cell membrane formation. Troponin does not have these roles.
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