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. 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,C,D
The correct answer is A, B, C, and D.
Choice A reason: Flushing the gastrostomy tube with water is essential to maintain tube patency and prevent medication interactions. It should be done before and after medication administration. The typical amount of water used for flushing can range from 15 to 30 mL.
Choice B reason: Administering each medication separately is a critical practice to prevent drug interactions and ensure that the full dose of each medication is delivered. It also helps in preventing the clogging of the tube.
Choice C reason: Documenting all liquid volumes, including medications and water used for flushing, is important for accurate fluid intake records. This helps in maintaining fluid balance and monitoring the patient’s hydration status.
Choice D reason: Checking gastric residual volume is important to assess the patient’s tolerance to enteral feeding and to prevent complications such as aspiration. Normal gastric residual volumes are generally considered to be less than 250 mL.
Choice E reason: Using a plunger to administer medications through a gastrostomy tube is not always recommended. Medications should be administered slowly to prevent discomfort or harm, and the use of a plunger is not a standard practice across all healthcare settings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B,A,C,D
Explanation
The correct order is:
- Note date and time of the behavior.
- Discuss the issue privately with the UAP.
- Plan for scheduled break times.
- Evaluate the UAP for signs of improvement.
Here are the reasons for this order:
- Note date and time of the behavior. This should be done first, as it can provide objective evidence of the UAP's behavior and its impact on patient care and staff workload. The unit manager should document any incidents or complaints related to the UAP's behavior in a factual manner.
- Discuss the issue privately with the UAP. This should be done second, as it can provide an opportunity for feedback and clarification. The unit manager should use a respectful and professional tone, and explain how the UAP's behavior affects patient safety and staff morale. The unit manager should also listen to any concerns or challenges that the UAP may have, and offer support or guidance as needed.
- Plan for scheduled break times. This should be done third, as it can provide a solution or prevention strategy for future occurrences. The unit manager should work with the UAP and other staff members to ensure that there are adequate breaks and coverage for patient care. The unit manager should also review any policies or procedures related to break times and staff attendance.
- Evaluate the UAP for signs of improvement. This should be done last, as it can provide a measure of effectiveness and accountability. The unit manager should monitor and document any changes in the UAP's behavior, performance, or attitude. The unit manager should also provide positive reinforcement or corrective action as appropriate.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Ask for a consultation with a psychologist. This is not the best intervention, as it does not address the physical aspect of pain management. A psychologist may help the client cope with emotional distress and cognitive-behavioral strategies to reduce pain perception, but it may not be enough to relieve severe pain.
Choice B: Arrange an appointment with a pain specialist. This is the best intervention, as it addresses the physical aspect of pain management. A pain specialist may prescribe appropriate medications, perform interventional procedures, or recommend alternative therapies to relieve severe pain.
Choice C: Contact a hospice nurse for an evaluation. This is not the best intervention, as it does not address the eligibility criteria for hospice care. Hospice care is intended for clients who have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less, and who have decided to forego curative treatments. Fibromyalgia is not a terminal illness, and hospice care may not be appropriate for this client.
Choice D: Form an interdisciplinary team for evaluation. This is not the best intervention, as it does not address the urgency of pain management. An interdisciplinary team may consist of various healthcare professionals who can provide holistic care for the client, but it may take time to coordinate and implement their services.
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