The nurse is preparing to administer a feeding to a client with a gastrostomy tube. What should the nurse do before providing this feeding?
Measure vital signs.
Lower the head of the bed.
Verify tube patency.
Assist the client to a prone position.
The Correct Answer is C
C. Before administering a feeding through a gastrostomy tube, it is essential to verify that the tube is patent (open and unobstructed). Tube patency ensures that the feeding formula or medication can flow freely into the stomach or intestines without encountering any blockages or resistance. The nurse should flush the tube with water to check for patency and ensure proper functioning before initiating the feeding.
A. Vital signs are typically assessed for overall health monitoring and to detect any immediate changes in the client's condition. However, they are not specifically required before every feeding via gastrostomy tube unless there are specific concerns about the client's stability.
B. This option is not typically necessary before administering a feeding through a gastrostomy tube. In fact, elevating the head of the bed to at least 30 to 45 degrees is often recommended during and after feeding to minimize the risk of aspiration. This position helps to promote digestion and reduce the likelihood of reflux or regurgitation of the feeding.
D. Assisting the client to a prone (face-down) position is unnecessary and potentially unsafe before administering a feeding through a gastrostomy tube. The recommended position for feeding via gastrostomy tube is typically semi-Fowler's position (elevated head of the bed), which helps prevent aspiration and facilitates digestion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Such an assessment helps in determining the level of assistance the client will need and ensures the safety of both the client and the nurse.
A. Helping the client to sit at the edge of the bed allows them to acclimate to being upright, assess their readiness to stand, and ensures their safety before attempting to walk. However, it is not the priority.
C. After assisting the client to a sitting position at the edge of the bed and assessing their readiness, the nurse can proceed to help the client into a standing position. However, it is not the priority.
D. This option may be necessary if the client requires two-person assistance due to their condition, mobility status, or safety concerns. However, asking for assistance typically comes after assessing the client's readiness and ensuring they are positioned correctly for ambulation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. This finding suggests deep tissue involvement and is characteristic of a Stage IV pressure injury. Stage IV pressure injuries involve full-thickness tissue loss with exposure of underlying structures such as bone, tendon, or muscle. This level of tissue damage requires extensive wound care and management to promote healing.
A. Thick dark eschar indicates necrotic tissue that typically covers the wound. While eschar itself is a characteristic of severe wounds, its presence alone does not define a Stage IV pressure injury. Eschar can be present in various stages of pressure injuries.
C. Partial-thickness loss of dermis typically corresponds to Stage II pressure injuries, where the injury extends into the epidermis and dermis but does not yet involve full-thickness tissue loss. This finding does not indicate a Stage IV pressure injury.
D. This finding is characteristic of a Stage III pressure injury, where the wound extends through the dermis into the subcutaneous tissue layer. In Stage IV pressure injuries, the damage progresses further to involve deeper structures such as muscle and bone, beyond the subcutaneous tissue.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today