A nurse is planning care for a client who has a decreased level of consciousness. The client is receiving continuous enteral feedings via a gastrostomy tube due to an inability to swallow. Which of the following is the priority action by the nurse?
Observe the client's respiratory status.
Monitor intake and output every 8 hr.
Elevate the head of the client's bed 30° to 45°.
Check residual volume every 4 to 6 hr.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Observing the client's respiratory status is also important, but it is an ongoing assessment rather than an immediate action.
B. Monitoring intake and output every 8 hours is important for overall fluid balance, but it is not the top priority in this situation.
C. This is crucial to prevent aspiration, which can occur if the feeding formula enters the lungs, leading to pneumonia or other serious complications. Elevating the head of the bed helps keep the esophagus above the stomach, reducing the risk of aspiration.
D. Checking residual volume every 4 to 6 hours is a part of enteral feeding care, but it is not the top priority. Monitoring respiratory status takes precedence due to the potential risk of aspiration.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A chest tube to water seal is used to remove air or fluid from the pleural space. This does not directly impact the client's potassium levels.
B. A tracheostomy tube attached to humidified oxygen delivers oxygen directly to the client's airway and does not have a direct effect on potassium levels.
C. An indwelling urinary catheter to gravity drainage does not typically cause significant potassium loss. Urinary catheters primarily collect urine, which contains waste products, rather than electrolytes like potassium.
D. A client with an NG tube to suction may experience loss of gastric contents, which can lead to the loss of electrolytes, including potassium. This places the client at risk for hypokalemia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Diluting each medication with tap water is not a recommended practice. It's important to administer medications in their prescribed form to ensure the client receives the correct dose.
B. Pinching the tube prior to attaching the medication syringe helps prevent the medication from being immediately pulled into the suction equipment. This allows the medication to stay in the stomach for absorption.
C. Reattaching the suction directly after administering the medication would
immediately start suctioning again, which could pull the medication out of the stomach before it has a chance to be absorbed.
D. Mixing the three medications together is not recommended, as some medications may interact with each other, potentially leading to undesirable effects. Each medication should be administered separately to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness.
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