The charge nurse observes a newly hired nurse who is preparing to insert a nasogastric tube. Which action by the charge nurse takes priority?
Demonstrate correct measurement of the tube insertion length.
Remind the nurse to apply lubricant to the tube before insertion.
Confirm that the nurse has auscultated the client's bowel sounds.
Elevate the head of the bed before the nurse inserts the tube.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A
Demonstrating correct measurement of the tube insertion length is the first priority. Inserting a nasogastric tube to the appropriate length is crucial for ensuring that the tube reaches the stomach and is not inserted too far. Incorrect insertion length can lead to complications, discomfort, or potential harm to the patient. Therefore, demonstrating and ensuring the correct measurement of the tube insertion length takes priority.:
Choice B
Reminding the nurse to apply lubricant to the tube before insertion is not first priority. Applying lubricant helps ease the insertion process, but it is not the most critical step to prioritize initially.
Choice C
Confirming that the nurse has auscultated the client's bowel sounds is not the first priority. Bowel sounds assessment is important to ensure proper placement, but this step can be done after ensuring the correct measurement of the insertion length.
Choice D
Elevating the head of the bed before the nurse inserts the tube is not the first priority: Elevating the head of the bed helps facilitate the passage of the tube into the stomach, but it is not the first priority in this context.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A
Observing for abdominal distention is recommended. Gastric residual volume (GRV) is the amount of formula or food remaining in the stomach after a feeding through a gastric tube. A GRV of 325 mL is relatively high, and it's important to assess the client for signs of potential complications before contacting the healthcare provider. Observe for signs of abdominal distention, which could indicate that the stomach is not adequately emptying or that the feeding is not being tolerated well.
Choice B
Calculating 24-hour caloric intake is not recommended: While monitoring caloric intake is important for overall nutritional assessment, it does not address the immediate concern of a high GRV and the potential need for adjustment of the feeding rate or management.
Choice C
Measuring urinary output is not recommended: Urinary output is important to monitor for fluid balance, but it may not be directly related to the elevated GRV.
Choice D
Checking for body weight changes is not recommended: Monitoring body weight is essential for assessing nutritional status, but it may not provide immediate insights into the impact of the elevated GRV.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A
Urinary ketones are not most important. Monitoring urinary ketones can provide information about the utilization of glucose and fat as energy sources. However, it is not the primary lab value to monitor in TPN administration.
Choice B
Serum protein is not most important. Monitoring serum protein levels is important to assess nutritional status, but it might not be as immediate a concern as serum osmolarity.
Choice C
Serum osmolarity is the most important. When caring for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), monitoring serum osmolarity is most important. TPN is a highly concentrated solution containing various nutrients, and it is infused directly into the bloodstream. Serum osmolarity reflects the concentration of particles (such as electrolytes, glucose, and other solutes) in the blood. Monitoring serum osmolarity is crucial to prevent complications related to fluid and electrolyte imbalances that can arise from the administration of TPN.
Choice D
Capillary glucose is not the most important. Monitoring capillary glucose levels is important, especially in clients receiving TPN with added glucose. Hyperglycaemia is a potential complication of TPN. While glucose monitoring is important, it is secondary to monitoring serum osmolarity, which encompasses a broader range of solute concentrations.
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