A patient with a gastric outlet obstruction has been treated with NG decompression. After the first 24 hours, the patient develops nausea and increased upper abdominal bowel sounds. What is the best action by the nurse?
Check the patency of the NG tube.
Place the patient in a recumbent position.
Encourage the patient to deep breathe and consciously relax.
Assess the patient's vital signs and circulatory status.
The Correct Answer is D
The development of nausea and increased upper abdominal bowel sounds after 24 hours of NG decompression in a patient with gastric outlet obstruction raises concerns for possible complications or changes in the patient's condition. Assessing the patient's vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, can provide important information about their circulatory status and overall stability.
While checking the patency of the NG tube is important, it is not the best immediate action in this situation. The nurse should first assess the patient's vital signs to ensure their stability before proceeding with further interventions.
Placing the patient in a recumbent position (lying down) or encouraging deep breathing and conscious relaxation may not address the underlying issue and could potentially exacerbate the symptoms. It is essential to assess the patient's vital signs and circulatory status to determine the appropriate course of action.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
To calculate the milliliters per hour (mL/hr) for the IV infusion, you divide the total volume (in milliliters) by the total time (in hours).
In this case, the total volume is 1 liter, which is equal to 1000 milliliters, and the total time is 6 hours.
So, you divide 1000 mL by 6 hours:
1000 mL / 6 hours = 166.67 mL/hr
Rounding off, the nurse will program the IV infusion device to infuse at approximately 167 mL/hr.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, are known to cause potassium loss as they increase urine output. A potassium level of 1.5 mEq/L indicates severe hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can be potentially dangerous and lead to various complications, including cardiac arrhythmias.
Hence, it is important to hold the dose of the loop diuretic and notify the physician so that appropriate interventions can be taken to address the low potassium level, such as prescribing potassium supplementation or adjusting the dosage of the loop diuretic.
A sodium level of 144 is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L) and does not require immediate action.
A blood pressure of 102/78, although it may indicate hypotension, does not necessarily require holding the dose of the loop diuretic unless it is accompanied by other significant symptoms or clinical concerns.
A calcium level of 9 mg/dL falls within the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL) and does not necessitate holding the loop diuretic dose.
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