A nurse is caring for a patient 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 determine the patient’s electrolyte balance
To confirm the placement of the NG tube
To remove gastric acid that might cause dyspepsia
To identify delayed gastric emptying
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While electrolyte balance is important in patient care, it is not the primary reason for measuring gastric residual before administering a feeding through an NG tube.
Choice B rationale
Confirming the placement of the NG tube is crucial before administering a feeding. However, measuring the gastric residual is not the primary method used to confirm tube placement.
Choice C rationale
Removing gastric acid that might cause dyspepsia is not the main purpose of measuring gastric residual. Dyspepsia, or indigestion, is typically managed with medications and dietary modifications.
Choice D rationale
The primary purpose of measuring gastric residual is to identify delayed gastric emptying. Gastric residual refers to the volume of formula or contents remaining in the stomach from the previous feeding. If gastric emptying is delayed, the nurse should avoid overfeeding the patient and causing gastric distention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Increased glucose levels can be a sign of dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, it can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Choice B rationale
A blood creatinine level of 0.6 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not typically indicate dehydration.
Choice C rationale
An increased blood osmolarity, such as 260 mOsm/kg, can be a sign of dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, the concentration of solutes in the blood can increase, leading to higher osmolarity.
Choice D rationale
A high urine specific gravity, such as 1.035, can indicate dehydration. This measurement reflects the concentration of solutes in the urine, and a high value can mean that the body is conserving water due to dehydration.
Correct Answer is ["B"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A bicarbonate level of 60 mosm/kg is not a manifestation of dehydration. In fact, dehydration can lead to metabolic acidosis, which would result in a decreased bicarbonate level.
Choice B rationale
A urine specific gravity of 1.035 is a manifestation of dehydration. The kidneys concentrate the urine in an attempt to conserve water, leading to an increased specific gravity.
Choice C rationale
A blood sodium level of 50 meq/L is not a manifestation of dehydration. Dehydration can lead to hypernatremia, or an increased sodium level, due to the loss of water.
Choice D rationale
A blood creatinine level of 0.6 mg/dL is not a manifestation of dehydration. Dehydration can lead to an increase in creatinine levels due to decreased renal perfusion.
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