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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
When collecting a urine specimen via straight catheterization, it is important to use a sterile specimen container to maintain the integrity of the sample and prevent contamination. Using a non-sterile container can introduce bacteria and affect the accuracy of the culture and sensitivity results.
The other options mentioned are incorrect:
Using sterile water to inflate the balloon: This action is relevant when inflating the balloon of an indwelling urinary catheter, but in a straight catheterization, there is no balloon involved.
Instructing the client to clean from front to back with an antiseptic solution: This instruction is appropriate for cleaning the urethral meatus before inserting an indwelling urinary catheter, but in a straight catheterization, the nurse performs the procedure using sterile technique and does not require the client to clean themselves.
Collecting urine from the catheter's port: In a straight catheterization, the nurse collects urine directly from the catheter tube using a sterile syringe or collection container, rather than from a separate port.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Sucralfate works by forming a protective barrier or coating over the surface of the ulcer. It adheres to the ulcer site and provides a physical barrier that protects the ulcer from gastric acid, pepsin, and bile salts. This protective barrier allows the ulcer to heal by preventing further damage and irritation from the stomach acid.

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