A nurse is planning to perform gastric lavage for a client who has upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take.
Chill the lavage fluid before instilling it.
Position the client on his right side.
Withdraw the fluid manually until it is clear.
Insert a small-bore NG tube.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Chilling the lavage fluid causes vasoconstriction of the gastric blood vessels, which helps to slow or stop the bleeding. The cold temperature directly constricts the capillaries and arterioles in the stomach lining, reducing blood flow to the bleeding site. This action is a primary goal of gastric lavage in cases of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Choice B rationale
Positioning the client on their left side is the appropriate action. This position allows the lavage fluid to pool in the greater curvature of the stomach, where it can be most effective at washing over the bleeding site. Placing the client on their right side would cause the fluid to quickly pass into the duodenum, which is less effective for gastric lavage.
Choice C rationale
Gastric lavage is performed to remove blood and clots from the stomach. The procedure involves instilling a fluid, typically saline, and then withdrawing it. The nurse continues this process, manually withdrawing the fluid, until the return fluid is clear or only slightly pink, which indicates that the bleeding has been controlled or significantly reduced.
Choice D rationale
A large-bore NG tube (16-18 French or larger) is preferred for gastric lavage in cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. A large-bore tube is necessary to effectively remove blood clots and viscous fluid from the stomach. A small-bore tube would easily become occluded by clots, rendering the lavage procedure ineffective. *.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Using clean technique for invasive procedures in a neutropenic client is insufficient. Neutropenia is a severe reduction in neutrophils, a key component of the immune system, leaving the client highly susceptible to infection. Aseptic or sterile technique, rather than clean technique, is necessary for all invasive procedures to prevent the introduction of pathogens. This includes strict hand hygiene, sterile gloves, and sterile fields to minimize infection risk.
Choice B rationale
Allowing healthy children to visit is a dangerous practice for a neutropenic client. Children, even those appearing healthy, can carry and transmit pathogens like viruses and bacteria that their developing immune systems can easily fight off. In a client with neutropenia, however, these common microorganisms can cause severe, life-threatening infections due to the lack of an adequate immune response. Therefore, visitors must be carefully screened.
Choice C rationale
Cleaning the client's room every 2 days is an inadequate frequency for a neutropenic client. An environment with reduced pathogen exposure is crucial for these immunocompromised clients. The room should be cleaned daily to minimize the accumulation of dust, dirt, and microorganisms. All surfaces, including floors, tables, and equipment, must be disinfected to reduce the risk of nosocomial infections and maintain a sterile environment.
Choice D rationale
Neutropenia impairs the body's ability to mount a fever response to infection. Therefore, a low-grade temperature elevation may be the only sign of a serious infection. Monitoring the client's temperature frequently, typically every 4 hours, is a critical nursing intervention. Early detection of a fever, even a slight one, allows for prompt initiation of antibiotics and other treatments, significantly improving the client's prognosis and preventing a potential septic shock. *.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering a vasoconstrictor is a potential intervention for shock but it is not the first action. The client's hypotension and tachycardia are indicative of hypovolemic shock due to profuse vomiting, leading to fluid loss. The body's initial compensatory mechanism involves vasoconstriction to maintain blood pressure, so further constriction without addressing the volume deficit can worsen tissue perfusion.
Choice B rationale
The client is exhibiting signs of hypovolemic shock, including a low blood pressure of 86/58 mmHg, a high pulse of 114/min, and a high respiratory rate of 27/min. These are physiological compensations for reduced circulating blood volume. Increasing the intravenous infusion rate directly addresses the primary problem by rapidly replacing lost fluid volume, thereby increasing preload, stroke volume, cardiac output, and ultimately, blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
Elevating the client's feet can temporarily increase venous return to the heart and improve blood pressure. However, this is a passive measure that does not address the underlying fluid deficit causing the hypovolemic shock. It is a helpful adjunctive action but is not the definitive first-line intervention required to correct the circulatory collapse in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Initiating oxygen therapy is a supportive measure for shock because it helps improve tissue oxygenation, which is compromised due to poor perfusion. While beneficial, it does not correct the root cause of the shock, which is the lack of circulating fluid volume. The most immediate and life-saving intervention is to restore fluid volume to improve cardiac output and blood pressure
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