The charge nurse observes a new nurse during the administration of two different liquid medications at once through a gastrostomy tube used for enteral feeding. The charge nurse observes the new nurse's actions, as seen in the video.
What action(s) should the charge nurse take? (Select all that apply.)
Encourage the novice to flush the tube with more water.
Instruct the novice to administer each medication separately.
Add the liquid volumes when documenting fluid intake.
Confirm that the novice determined the amount of gastric residual.
Advise the novice to use the plunger when giving medications.
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A reason: This is a correct answer because flushing the tube with more water is important to prevent clogging and maintain hydration. The novice should flush the tube with at least 15 mL of water before and after each medication, and between medications if more than one is given.
Choice B reason: This is a correct answer because administering each medication separately is important to prevent interactions and ensure accurate dosing. The novice should not mix different medications in one syringe or container, but give them one at a time, followed by water flushes.
Choice C reason: This is not a correct answer because adding the liquid volumes when documenting fluid intake is not necessary. The liquid medications do not count as fluid intake, but as medication administration. The novice should document the type, dose, route, and time of each medication given, as well as any adverse effects or complications.
Choice D reason: This is a correct answer because confirming that the novice determined the amount of gastric residual is important to assess tolerance and prevent aspiration. The novice should aspirate the gastric contents with a syringe before giving any medication or feeding, and measure and document the volume. If the volume is more than 100 mL or the prescribed amount, the novice should hold the medication or feeding and notify the healthcare provider.
Choice E reason: This is not a correct answer because advising the novice to use the plunger when giving medications is not recommended. The novice should use gravity to deliver the medications through the tube, by holding the syringe upright and allowing the liquid to flow slowly. Using the plunger can cause too much pressure and damage the tube or cause discomfort to the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Notifying the emergency response team of the client's seizure is not a necessary action for the nurse, as the seizure has already stopped and there is no immediate threat to the client's life. This is a distractor choice.
Choice B reason: Keeping orienting the client to time and place until he is less confused is an appropriate action for the nurse, as this can help restore the client's cognitive function and reduce his anxiety after a seizure. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice C reason: Explaining the postictal state that usually follows seizures is not a priority action for the nurse, as this can be done later when the client is more alert and receptive. This is another distractor choice.
Choice D reason: Asking the wife to wait outside the room until the nurse can talk with her is not a considerate action for the nurse, as this can increase her stress and worry about her husband's condition. This is a contraindicated choice.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering a half dose now is not advisable, because it may result in underdosing or overdosing of digoxin. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range and a high risk of toxicity, especially in infants and children. The amount of digoxin absorbed by the infant before vomiting is unknown, so giving a partial dose may not achieve therapeutic levels or may exceed safe levels.
Choice B reason: Giving another dose is not advisable, because it may result in overdosing of digoxin. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range and a high risk of toxicity, especially in infants and children. The amount of digoxin absorbed by the infant before vomiting is unknown, so giving a full dose may exceed safe levels and cause adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, arrhythmias, or visual disturbances.
Choice C reason: Mixing the next dose with food is not advisable, because it may affect the absorption and bioavailability of digoxin. Digoxin should be taken on an empty stomach or at least one hour before or two hours after meals, because food can interfere with its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and reduce its effectiveness.
Choice D reason: Withholding this dose is the best instruction for the nurse to provide to this mother. Digoxin has a long half-life and accumulates in tissues, so missing one dose will not significantly affect its therapeutic effect. Withholding this dose will avoid overdosing and toxicity of digoxin, which can be life-threatening in infants and children. The nurse should also advise the mother to resume the regular dosing schedule and monitor the infant's pulse rate and signs of digoxin toxicity.
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