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 C
Explanation
C. The half-life of a drug refers to the time it takes for the concentration of the drug in the bloodstream to be reduced by half. If a medication has a long half-life, it means that it stays in the body for a longer period before being eliminated. This allows for less frequent dosing intervals while still maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
A. Drugs with a short half-life are typically cleared from the body more quickly. While they may require more frequent dosing to maintain therapeutic levels, they do not necessarily have a greater risk for toxicity compared to drugs with longer half-lives. In fact, drugs with longer half-lives can accumulate in the body over time, potentially increasing the risk of toxicity.
B. The half-life of a drug can be significantly influenced by renal (kidney) and hepatic (liver) function. Impaired renal or hepatic function can prolong the half-life of a drug, leading to slower elimination and potentially increased risk of adverse effects.
D. This statement describes the concept of drug metabolism rather than the half-life. Drug metabolism refers to the biochemical alteration of drugs by enzymes, often occurring in the liver. The half-life, on the other hand, specifically relates to the elimination of the drug from the body.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. This option correctly identifies therationale behind the nurse's instruction. Immunosuppressed clients have a weakened immune system, making them highly vulnerable to infections. Family members may carry microorganisms on their hands, clothes, or respiratory secretions that can potentially transmit infections to the client. Wearing gloves and a mask helps reduce the risk of introducing pathogens to the client.
A. This option suggests that the risk is related to hospital staff transmitting infections to family members. While this is a concern in healthcare settings, it is not directly related to the specific situation described where family members are visiting an immunosuppressed client in a protective environment.
B. This option implies that the hospital environment itself poses a risk of infection transmission to family members. While hospitals can harbor various pathogens, the primary concern in this scenario is the transmission of infections to the immunosuppressed client from outside sources, including family members.
D. This option suggests that the client could transmit infections to family members. While this is theoretically possible depending on the specific infectious agent and the client's condition, the primary concern in a protective environment is preventing infections from entering the client's environment and affecting their health.
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