A nurse is preparing to administer nasogastric tube feedings to a 2-month-old infant. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Stabilize the tube by taping it to the infant's cheek.
Position the infant in a supine position during feedings.
Aspirate residual fluid from the infant's stomach and discard.
Microwave the infant's formula to a temperature of 41° C (105.8° F).
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Stabilizing the nasogastric tube by taping it to the infant's cheek is a crucial step in preventing accidental removal or displacement of the tube during feedings. Infants are known for their active movements, which could lead to unintentional removal of the tube. Taping the tube securely helps maintain its proper placement and ensures the delivery of nutrients.
Choice B rationale:
Positioning the infant in a supine (lying on the back) position during feedings is not recommended. This position could lead to an increased risk of aspiration, where the feedings could enter the airway and lungs, causing respiratory issues. The recommended position for nasogastric tube feedings is semi-upright or upright to minimize this risk.
Choice C rationale:
Aspirating residual fluid from the infant's stomach and discarding it is not standard practice for nasogastric tube feedings. Aspirating can introduce the risk of infection or cause irritation to the stomach lining. Additionally, residual fluid can provide valuable information about the infant's digestion and absorption, and its presence should be taken into consideration when adjusting feedings.
Choice D rationale:
Microwaving the infant's formula to a temperature of 41°C (105.8°F) is not safe. Formula should be warmed gently using warm water or a bottle warmer to avoid overheating, which could burn the infant's mouth and esophagus. Microwaving can cause uneven heating and lead to hot spots within the formula, posing a risk of burns.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Iron 100 mcg/dL The normal range for serum iron levels can vary based on age and gender, but typically, a range of 50 to 150 mcg/dL is considered normal. The provided value of 100 mcg/dL falls within this range and is not a cause for concern. Elevated iron levels can be indicative of hemochromatosis or other disorders, but this value is not concerning.
Choice B rationale:
Hemoglobin 8 g/dL Hemoglobin levels can vary by age and gender, but in general, a hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL is low and suggestive of anemia, a condition characterized by a reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen. Anemia can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms, and the nurse should report this finding to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
Choice C rationale:
Sodium 140 mEq/L The normal range for serum sodium levels is typically around 135 to 145 mEq/L. The provided value of 140 mEq/L falls within this normal range and is not a cause for concern. Deviations from this range can indicate various conditions, including dehydration or overhydration, but this value is within an acceptable range.
Choice D rationale:
Calcium 9 mg/dL The normal range for serum calcium levels can vary, but generally, a range of 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL is considered normal. The provided value of 9 mg/dL falls within this range and is not significantly abnormal. Abnormal calcium levels can be indicative of various conditions, including thyroid disorders or kidney problems, but this value is not concerning.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Ensuring the infant bottle feeds for 45 minutes is not recommended for an infant with heart failure. Prolonged feeding sessions can lead to increased fatigue and stress on the infant's cardiovascular system, exacerbating the heart failure symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Administering digoxin for a pulse of 70/min is not appropriate. Digoxin is commonly used in heart failure cases to improve cardiac contractility and reduce heart rate. However, giving digoxin solely based on the heart rate without considering other factors can lead to potential overdose and adverse effects.
Choice C rationale:
(Correct Choice) Allowing for frequent rest periods is crucial in the plan of care for an infant with heart failure. Infants with heart failure often experience fatigue and difficulty feeding due to compromised cardiac function. Allowing them to rest between activities helps conserve energy and supports their overall well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Maintaining the infant in a supine position is not the best choice for an infant with heart failure. While the supine position is recommended for safe sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), it may not be optimal for an infant with heart failure. An inclined position may be more suitable to alleviate potential respiratory distress.
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