A nurse is inserting an NG tube for a client who has a new prescription for enteral feedings. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to verify the placement of the client's tube? (Select all that apply.).
Measure the amount of aspirate in the NG tube.
Flush the tube with 50 mL of tap water.
Examine the color of aspirated secretions.
Measure the pH of the client's aspirate.
Obtain an x-ray of the client's chest and abdomen.
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
Choice A rationale:
Measuring the amount of aspirate in the NG tube is one way to verify the placement of the tube. Aspirate should be tested for color, pH, and other characteristics to ensure proper positioning.
Choice B rationale:
Flushing the tube with tap water doesn't directly verify tube placement. This action might inadvertently introduce air into the tube, potentially leading to inaccurate assessment results.
Choice C rationale:
Examining the color of aspirated secretions is an essential step in verifying tube placement. Different colors of aspirate can indicate different anatomical locations, helping to ensure the tube is properly positioned.
Choice D rationale:
Measuring the pH of the client's aspirate is another important method to verify NG tube placement. Gastric aspirate tends to be acidic, while respiratory aspirate is usually more alkaline.
Choice E rationale:
Obtaining an x-ray of the client's chest and abdomen is a definitive method for confirming NG tube placement. It provides direct visualization of the tube's location and ensures accuracy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging the client to ambulate is not appropriate when the client has a high fever of 40°C (104°F). Ambulation requires physical exertion and can potentially worsen the client's condition, especially when they are already experiencing discomfort due to the fever.
Choice B rationale:
Giving the client a cold sponge bath might seem like a logical approach to reduce fever; however, it is not the most effective and safest method. Cold water can cause vasoconstriction and shivering, potentially increasing the body's metabolic demands and raising the temperature further. Additionally, sudden temperature changes can be uncomfortable and may not provide sustained fever reduction.
Choice C rationale:
Administering antipyretics as prescribed is the correct choice. Antipyretic medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, work to lower fever by acting on the hypothalamus, the body's temperature-regulating center. By reducing fever, the body's metabolic rate and oxygen consumption are decreased, which can help prevent complications associated with high fever, such as dehydration and discomfort.
Choice D rationale:
Providing a cooling fan can offer some comfort, but it might not be sufficient to effectively lower the client's high fever. Fans primarily work by promoting evaporative cooling, which may not be efficient when the body temperature is significantly elevated. Additionally, relying solely on a cooling fan might delay the necessary intervention of administering antipyretic medication.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
1 cup of shredded lettuce is low in potassium and is not the best source of potassium for a client with heart failure. While vegetables like lettuce are generally healthy, they do not provide a significant amount of potassium.
Choice B rationale:
1 cup of cantaloupe is the best source of potassium among the given options. Cantaloupe is a fruit that contains a moderate amount of potassium. Including this fruit in the client's diet can help maintain a balanced potassium level, which is important for heart health.
Choice C rationale:
1 oz of tuna is a source of protein but is not particularly rich in potassium. While protein intake is important for overall health, other choices on the list provide more potassium, which is specifically needed for clients with heart failure.
Choice D rationale:
1 cup of raspberries is a good source of fiber and antioxidants, but it is not as rich in potassium as cantaloupe. While raspberries can be a healthy addition to the diet, they are not the best choice for addressing potassium needs in this scenario.
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