A nurse is caring for a client who receives intermittent enteral feedings through an NG tube. Before administering a feeding, the nurse should measure the gastric residual for which of the following purposes?
To confirm the placement of the NG tube
To determine the client's electrolyte balance
To remove gastric acid that might cause dyspepsia
To identify delayed gastric emptying
The Correct Answer is D
The nurse should measure the gastric residual before administering a feeding to identify delayed gastric emptying. Gastric residual refers to the volume of formula or contents remaining in the stomach from the previous feeding. Measuring gastric residual helps assess how well the client's stomach is emptying and can indicate if there is delayed gastric emptying.
By measuring gastric residual, the nurse can:
● Determine if the stomach has adequately emptied from the previous feeding. ● Assess the client's tolerance to enteral feedings.
● Detect signs of delayed gastric emptying, which can be indicative of gastrointestinal motility issues or other complications.
● Adjust the feeding rate or make other modifications to the enteral feeding plan based on the amount of residual volume.
Confirming the placement of the NG tube is typically done using other methods, such as an X-ray, pH testing, or auscultation of air insufflation. Gastric residual measurement primarily serves the purpose of assessing gastric emptying, rather than confirming tube placement.
While electrolyte imbalances can be monitored in the overall care of a client receiving enteral feedings, measuring gastric residual specifically focuses on assessing gastric emptying and feeding tolerance, rather than determining the client's electrolyte balance.
Removing gastric acid that might cause dyspepsia is not the primary purpose of measuring gastric residual. Gastric residual measurement aims to evaluate the volume of the previous feeding and assess gastric emptying, rather than focusing on dyspepsia specifically.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Furosemide is a loop diuretic commonly prescribed for conditions such as hypertension and edema. One of the side effects of furosemide is the increased excretion of potassium in the urine, which can lead to low potassium levels in the body, known as hypokalemia. The other medications mentioned do not typically place the client at risk for hypokalemia: Acyclovir 400 mg PO twice daily: Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat viral infections, such as herpes. It does not have a direct effect on potassium levels. Cimetidine 300 mg PO four times per day: Cimetidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist commonly used to reduce stomach acid production. It does not have a direct effect on potassium levels.
Meloxicam 5 mg PO once daily: Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief. It does not have a direct effect on potassium levels.
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
From the given statements, the nurse can identify the following statements as indicating the effectiveness of cimetidine treatment:
"I don't have as much heartburn after I eat anymore.": Cimetidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist commonly used to reduce stomach acid production. Decreased heartburn after eating suggests that the medication has been effective in reducing excessive acid production and relieving heartburn symptoms.
"I can sleep while lying flat again.": Cimetidine can help alleviate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by reducing stomach acid. Improved ability to sleep while lying flat suggests that the medication has successfully reduced acid reflux and related symptoms.
The following statements do not directly indicate the effectiveness of cimetidine treatment: ● "I noticed that I have had less urge to smoke lately."
● "I occasionally have stomach pain and dark stools."
● "I have not been as dizzy as I was before."
These statements may be unrelated to the effects of cimetidine or may require further assessment to determine their significance. It's important for the nurse to address any concerns or symptoms mentioned by the client and evaluate their overall response to the medication
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