A nurse is contributing to the plan of care of a client who is postoperative following a gastrectomy and has a double-lumen nasogastric (NG) tube. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
Avoid replacing the NG tube if it is accidentally dislodged.
Irrigate the blue pigtail port with sterile saline.
Verify tube placement by injecting air into the larger lumen.
Avoid the nares when providing hygiene care.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Avoid replacing the NG tube if it is accidentally dislodged: After a gastrectomy, improper placement or reinsertion of the NG tube can disrupt the surgical site, leading to complications such as bleeding, leakage, or perforation. If the tube is accidentally dislodged, the nurse should notify the surgeon or provider, as reinsertions in postoperative gastric surgery clients are typically performed under their direction.
B. Irrigate the blue pigtail port with sterile saline: The blue pigtail port (air vent) of a double-lumen NG tube (e.g., Salem sump) should not be irrigated with saline because it functions as an air vent to prevent suction from damaging the stomach lining.
C. Verify tube placement by injecting air into the larger lumen: Injecting air to verify NG tube placement is no longer considered a reliable or evidence-based practice. Placement should be verified by other methods, such as aspiration of gastric contents, pH testing, or radiographic confirmation, especially in postoperative clients.
D. Avoid the nares when providing hygiene care: Hygiene care for the nares is essential to prevent skin breakdown and discomfort in clients with an NG tube. Neglecting the nares could lead to excoriation, pressure injuries, or infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Upper left quadrant: Pain in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen can be associated with issues related to the spleen, stomach, or parts of the colon. It's not a typical location for pain related to diverticular disease.
B. Upper right quadrant: Pain in the upper right quadrant is often associated with issues related to the liver, gallbladder, or part of the colon. Again, not a typical location for diverticular disease-related pain.
C. Lower left quadrant: This is the correct answer. Diverticular disease often causes pain in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen, particularly if the inflammation or infection is in the sigmoid colon, which is a common site for diverticula.
D. Lower right quadrant: Pain in the lower right quadrant can be related to issues with the appendix or parts of the colon. It's not a typical location for diverticular disease-related pain.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Assume position with legs and rectum lower than the stomach.
Explanation: This position helps gas move through the intestines more effectively, relieving abdominal distension and promoting the passage of flatus. It's a commonly recommended position for patients experiencing discomfort due to abdominal gas.
B. Drink cold liquids.
Explanation: Drinking cold liquids might not directly help with abdominal distension and flatus. Warm liquids, on the other hand, can sometimes promote digestion and relieve gas discomfort.
C. Ambulate several times a day.
Explanation: Ambulation or walking encourages movement in the intestines, aiding in the passage of gas. It also promotes overall bowel function and can help prevent postoperative complications like atelectasis and deep vein thrombosis.
D. Use a straw.
Explanation: Using a straw doesn't have a direct impact on relieving abdominal distension or flatus. It's more relevant for patients who might have difficulty drinking directly from a glass due to medical conditions or after certain types of surgeries
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