A nurse is performing gastric lavage for a client who has gastrointestinal bleeding and an NG tube in place. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Attach the client's NG tube to low intermittent suction.
Instill the lavage solution into the client's NG tube in volumes of 500 mL at a time.
Instill chilled lavage solution into the client's NG tube.
Use 0.9% sodium chloride for irrigation of the NG tube.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Attach the client's NG tube to low intermittent suction: Suction may be used after lavage for decompression, but during lavage, the focus is on instilling and withdrawing solution manually to clear the stomach of blood or contents.
B. Instill the lavage solution into the client's NG tube in volumes of 500 mL at a time: This volume is excessive and could increase the risk of aspiration or discomfort. Typically, 100–200 mL is used per instillation.
C. Instill chilled lavage solution into the client's NG tube: Chilled solutions are not recommended as they may induce hypothermia and have not been shown to effectively control bleeding. Room-temperature solution is preferred.
D. Use 0.9% sodium chloride for irrigation of the NG tube: Isotonic saline is the recommended solution for gastric lavage, as it helps prevent electrolyte imbalance and irritation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Initiating the process to review the medical record is appropriate; clients have the right to access their medical information under HIPAA regulations, and the nurse can assist in starting that process.
B. While there are restricted parts of a medical record, the response lacks a proactive approach to assisting the client in accessing the information they have the right to view.
C. This response is dismissive of the client's request and does not provide an avenue for understanding the medical record better.
D. Although the provider can provide more detailed information about treatment, it does not
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Withholding the next dose of warfarin is incorrect. Warfarin takes several days to reach therapeutic levels, and the INR of 1.8 is below the target range (typically 2.0–3.0 for PE treatment). Stopping warfarin is unnecessary.
B. Withholding the heparin infusion is correct. The aPTT is significantly elevated at 98 seconds (therapeutic range: 60–80 seconds for PE treatment), increasing the risk of bleeding. The nurse should pause the heparin infusion and notify the provider for dose adjustment.
C. Preparing to administer vitamin K is incorrect. Vitamin K reverses warfarin effects, but the INR of 1.8 is not dangerously high and does not require reversal.
D. Preparing to administer alteplase is incorrect. Alteplase (a thrombolytic) is used for massive PE with hemodynamic instability, not for a patient already receiving anticoagulation therapy.
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