A nurse is caring for a client who has myasthenia gravis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Instruct the client to take prescribed anticholinesterase with meals
Position the head of the client's bed to 40° while eating
Encourage the client to lie down after eating
Provide the client with food cut into small bites
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Anticholinesterase medications should be taken 30 minutes before meals, not with meals. This is because they enhance the action of acetylcholine, which improves muscle strength and swallowing ability.
Choice B reason: Positioning the head of the client's bed to 40° while eating helps prevent aspiration and facilitates swallowing. This is the best action for the nurse to take for a client who has myasthenia gravis.
Choice C reason: Encouraging the client to lie down after eating is not advisable, as it increases the risk of aspiration and reflux. The client should remain upright for at least 30 minutes after eating.
Choice D reason: Providing the client with food cut into small bites is not enough to ensure safe and adequate nutrition. The client may still have difficulty swallowing and chewing. The nurse should also offer soft, moist, and easy-to-swallow foods, and avoid foods that are dry, sticky, or hard.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Measuring the client's gastric residual every 12 hr is not frequent enough to monitor the feeding tolerance and prevent aspiration. The nurse should measure the gastric residual before each intermittent feeding or every 4 to 6 hr during continuous feeding¹².
Choice B reason: Flushing the client's tube with 30 mL of water every 4 hr is an appropriate action to maintain the tube patency, prevent clogging, and hydrate the client. The nurse should flush the tube before and after each medication administration, feeding, or gastric residual check¹³.
Choice C reason: Keeping the client's head elevated at 15° during feedings is not sufficient to prevent reflux and aspiration. The nurse should elevate the head of the bed at least 30° to 45° during feedings and for at least 30 min to 1 hr after feedings¹⁴.
Choice D reason: Obtaining the client's electrolyte levels every 4 hr is not necessary unless the client has signs of fluid or electrolyte imbalance, such as edema, dehydration, or abnormal vital signs. The nurse should monitor the client's weight, intake and output, and laboratory values as ordered by the provider¹⁵.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Warming the formula to room temperature can help reduce the osmotic load and prevent diarrhea in clients receiving enteral nutrition. Cold formula can also cause abdominal cramping and discomfort.
Choice B reason: Increasing the rate of infusion can worsen diarrhea by increasing the osmotic load and the risk of bacterial overgrowth. The rate of infusion should be adjusted based on the client's tolerance and nutritional needs.
Choice C reason: Changing to a low-calorie formula is not indicated for diarrhea. Low-calorie formulas are usually high in osmolality and can cause more water to be drawn into the intestinal lumen, leading to diarrhea. A low-residue or isotonic formula may be more appropriate.
Choice D reason: Replacing the extension tubing every 48 hr is not enough to prevent diarrhea. The extension tubing should be replaced every 24 hr or with each new container of formula to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination and infection.
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