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 D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Placing the bed in the lowest position before logrolling the client is incorrect. Lowering the bed position isn't directly related to the safety or comfort of the client during logrolling. It's more important to focus on proper body alignment and support for the surgical site.
Choice B Reason:
Placing the client in semi-Fowler's position prior to logrolling is incorrect. Semi-Fowler's position (a reclined position with the head of the bed elevated at a 30-45-degree angle) might be used for comfort, but it's not specifically necessary before logrolling, which is a technique used to move the client while maintaining spinal alignment.
Choice C Reason:
Placing the client's arms above her head prior to logrolling is incorrect. Placing the client's arms above the head isn't typically necessary or recommended before logrolling a postoperative client. It's crucial to prioritize maintaining proper body alignment and minimizing stress on the surgical site during movement.
Choice D Reason:
Placing a pillow between the client's legs prior to logrolling is correct. This action helps maintain proper alignment of the spine and reduces pressure on the surgical site during logrolling. Placing a pillow between the legs provides support and helps prevent excessive twisting or stress on the back.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Have the client sign an against medical advice (AMA) form is incorrect. While this form allows patients to leave against medical advice after acknowledging the risks, it should be used after thorough discussion, ensuring the patient understands the consequences. In this case, the client is postoperative and might not have received clearance from the surgeon, so this option may not be appropriate without further assessment.
Choice B Reason:
Tell the client that the surgeon will prescribe restraints if they try to leave is incorrect. Threatening restraints is not a suitable or ethical approach. Using restraints should be a last resort for ensuring safety, especially if a patient is attempting to leave. It's crucial to communicate and engage in dialogue rather than resorting to threats or coercion.
Choice C Reason:
Explain to the client that they cannot leave until the surgeon discharges them is correct. This action prioritizes the safety and well-being of the client while also informing them of the necessary procedure before leaving the hospital. It's essential to communicate the discharge process and ensure that the client understands the potential risks of leaving without proper medical approval. This approach maintains respect for the client's autonomy while emphasizing the importance of following the medical protocol for a safe recovery.
Choice D Reason:
Administer a sedative medication to the client is incorrect. Using sedatives to prevent a patient from leaving is not ethically or medically appropriate unless there's a critical situation where the patient is a danger to themselves or others. Administering sedatives without proper justification or consent violates ethical principles and could potentially harm the patient.
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