A patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube in place is experiencing respiratory distress. What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?
Elevate the head of the bed to 90 degrees
Administer a bronchodilator as prescribed.
Check the placement of the NG tube to ensure it has not dislodged into the lungs.
Increase the flow rate of the patient’s oxygen therapy.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Elevate the head of the bed to 90 degrees: While elevating the head of the bed may help ease breathing, it does not address the potential issue of NG tube misplacement.
B. Administer a bronchodilator as prescribed: This would only be appropriate if the patient’s respiratory distress were related to bronchospasm or asthma, not NG tube displacement.
C. Check the placement of the NG tube to ensure it has not dislodged into the lungs. When a patient with an NG tube experiences respiratory distress, the tube may have dislodged and entered the respiratory tract, which could obstruct breathing. Verifying the placement of the NG tube is critical to preventing aspiration or further complications.
D. Increase the flow rate of the patient’s oxygen therapy: This may provide temporary relief but does not resolve the underlying cause of the distress if the NG tube has entered the respiratory tract.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
A. "I will try not to gain weight." Weight gain can increase pressure on the diaphragm and abdomen, worsening symptoms of hiatal hernia. Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce this pressure.
B. “I will sleep with the head of my bed elevated." Elevating the head of the bed helps prevent stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus while lying down, a common issue in both hiatal hernia and GERD.
C. "I will drink less fluid": Reducing fluid intake is not a recommended strategy for managing hiatal hernia symptoms. Fluid is essential for digestion and overall health.
D. "I will lie down for one half hour after meals": Lying down after meals can worsen reflux symptoms because gravity is no longer helping keep stomach contents in place. Patients should remain upright after eating.
E. "I will consume less caffeine and spicy foods." Caffeine and spicy foods can increase acid production and irritate the esophagus, worsening symptoms of hiatal hernia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Social drinking of alcohol: While excessive alcohol consumption can irritate the stomach lining, social drinking is not as strongly associated with peptic ulcer disease as NSAID use.
B. Diet high in fiber and vegetables: A diet high in fiber and vegetables is generally protective against gastrointestinal issues and is not associated with an increased risk of PUD.
C. Frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are one of the most common causes of peptic ulcers. They can damage the stomach lining and increase acid production, leading to ulcers.
D. History of seasonal allergies: Seasonal allergies have no direct link to the development of peptic ulcers and are not a risk factor for PUD.
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