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 B
Explanation
A. "Eating contaminated food or water from an infected source can cause you to become infected with hepatitis C." This applies to hepatitis A, not hepatitis C. Hepatitis A is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, whereas hepatitis C is bloodborne.
B. "Coming into contact with infected blood, such as from that of a dirty needle, can cause you to become infected with hepatitis C." Hepatitis C is primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact, most commonly through sharing needles, blood transfusions before widespread blood screening, or needle-stick injuries.
C. "Coming into contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, such as saliva, can cause you to become infected with hepatitis C." Hepatitis C is not commonly spread through casual contact or saliva. The risk of transmission through bodily fluids other than blood is extremely low.
D. "Consuming a large amount of alcohol at one time can cause you to become infected with hepatitis C." Alcohol does not cause hepatitis C, though it can worsen liver damage in individuals already infected with the virus.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","F"]
Explanation
A. Increased fluid intake and patient education on hydration: Encouraging increased fluid intake helps to flush bacteria from the urinary tract and prevent further infection. Hydration is a key component of managing UTIs, as it dilutes urine and promotes frequent urination, reducing bacterial colonization.
B. Blood cultures: Blood cultures are not typically indicated for uncomplicated UTIs, especially in a patient without signs of systemic infection or sepsis (e.g., high fever, hypotension, tachycardia). Blood cultures are more relevant in severe or complicated UTIs, or when there is concern for urosepsis.
C. Urine culture and sensitivity testing: A urine culture and sensitivity is essential for identifying the specific bacteria causing the infection and determining the appropriate antibiotic for treatment. This is especially important for patients with a history of recurrent UTIs to ensure the right antibiotic is selected and to avoid antibiotic resistance.
D. Repeat urinalysis after antibiotic treatment completion: A repeat urinalysis after antibiotic treatment is often ordered to ensure that the infection has been resolved, particularly in patients with recurrent infections.
E. Foley catheter placement: A Foley catheter is not appropriate for this patient, as there is no indication of urinary retention, and catheterization increases the risk of introducing new infections.
F. Oral antibiotics, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or ciprofloxacin: Oral antibiotics like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) or ciprofloxacin are commonly prescribed for treating uncomplicated UTIs. Given the patient’s history of recurrent UTIs, empiric antibiotic therapy is appropriate pending urine culture results.
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