A nurse is checking for the proper placement of a feeding tube. Which of the following methods is the most reliable for verification of tube placement?
Verify the bilirubin level of the tube contents.
Auscultate for air insufflation.
Request a chest x-ray.
Check the pH level of gastric contents.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Verifying the bilirubin level of the tube contents is incorrect. Measuring bilirubin levels in the tube contents is not a standard or reliable method for confirming tube placement. It's not an established or recommended technique for this purpose.
Choice B Reason:
Auscultating for air insufflation is incorrect. Auscultation for air insufflation involves injecting air into the tube and listening for bubbling sounds over the stomach area. While this method is commonly used, it can sometimes yield inconsistent or inconclusive results, especially in patients with certain conditions or situations where air movement might not be detectable.
Choice C Reason:
Request a chest x-ray is correct. Obtaining a chest x-ray is the most reliable method to confirm the placement of a feeding tube, especially when the tube is newly inserted or if there are any doubts about its location. A chest x-ray can accurately visualize the position of the tube within the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring it is in the intended location before any feedings or medications are administered.
Choice D Reason:
Checking the pH level of gastric contents is incorrect. Measuring the pH level of aspirated gastric contents can provide information about the acidity of the fluid, indicating gastric placement (pH below 5) in most cases. However, the pH can be influenced by various factors like medications, enteral feeding solutions, or certain medical conditions, making it less reliable than a chest x-ray for definitive confirmation of tube placement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"I can't change my mind about the care I will receive once I sign my living will." Is incorrect.
This statement suggests a misconception that signing a living will locks in a permanent decision, whereas advance directives can usually be updated or modified as long as the individual is competent to do so.
Choice B Reason:
"If I want life support, I'll need to sign a separate consent form first." Is incorrect. While the concept of a consent form for specific treatments is relevant, it might not fully reflect the broader scope of advance directives, which encompass a range of healthcare preferences beyond just life support.
Choice C Reason:
"I'm glad to have the opportunity to choose what kind of care I receive while I still can." Is correct. This statement reflects the understanding that advance directives offer the opportunity to make decisions about the type of care the client wishes to receive or avoid, empowering them to express their preferences while they are still able to do so.
Choice D Reason:
"Once I fill out my living will, there will be a 1-month delay before it is legally binding." Is incorrect. There isn't typically a standardized waiting period before an advance directive becomes legally binding. The legal validity and activation of advance directives vary by region, but they usually become effective immediately upon completion unless stated otherwise or specific requirements apply.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Stomach contents are yellowish-green in color is incorrect. While the color of stomach contents might indicate various aspects of digestion or bile presence, a yellowish-green color alone might not necessarily be an immediate cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms or indications of a problem.
Choice B Reason:
Aspirated stomach contents' pH measures 6.5 is incorrect. A pH of 6.5 in aspirated stomach contents might indicate a less acidic environment, but it's not usually considered significantly abnormal. However, it's still essential to consider the context and the individual client's situation when interpreting pH values.
Choice C Reason:
Residual volume of stomach contents measures 90 mL is correct. A residual volume of 90 mL is considered high and could indicate delayed gastric emptying or potential issues with the client's ability to tolerate or absorb feedings. Reporting this finding to the provider is essential for further assessment and potential adjustments in the client's care plan.
Choice D Reason:
Hyperactive bowel sounds are present is incorrect. Hyperactive bowel sounds might suggest increased peristalsis or bowel activity. While this finding may be noted and monitored, it might not require immediate reporting unless it's associated with other concerning symptoms or complications.
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