Which symptom experienced by a client receiving a continuous enteral feeding via a nasogastric tube requires priority follow-up by the nurse?
The client has frequent coughing spells.
The client reports mild abdominal cramps.
The client has high-pitched bowel sounds.
The client reports one to two soft bowel movements per day.
The Correct Answer is A
This is because coughing can indicate aspiration of the feeding into the lungs, which can lead to pneumonia and other serious complications. Aspiration is reported in up to 89% of patients receiving nasogastric tube feeding.
Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing the client for signs of aspiration and ensuring proper tube placement.
Choice B is wrong because mild abdominal cramps are a common side effect of nasogastric tube feeding and do not require immediate intervention unless they are severe or persistent.
Choice C is wrong because high-pitched bowel sounds are normal and indicate peristalsis and digestion.
They do not indicate a problem with the tube feeding.
Choice D is wrong because one to two soft bowel movements per day are desirable and indicate adequate nutrition and hydration.
They do not indicate a problem with the tube feeding.
Normal ranges for gastric residual volume are less than 200 mL for adults and less than 100 mL for children. Normal ranges for pH of gastric aspirate are 1 to 5.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
Increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure are common signs of dehydration, as the body tries to compensate for the fluid loss by increasing the heart rate and lowering the blood pressure.
Choice C is wrong because increased temperature is not a typical symptom of dehydration, although it can be a cause of it.
Choice D is wrong because hypoactive muscle responses are not related to dehydration, but rather to neurological or muscular disorders.
Choice E is wrong because alert and oriented is the normal mental status for most people, and dehydration can cause confusion and disorientation in severe cases.
Normal ranges for heart rate and blood pressure vary depending on age, gender, physical activity, and other factors, but generally they are:
- Heart rate: 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults
- Blood pressure: less than 120/80 mmHg for adults
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Irrigating the tube with 30 mL of sterile saline as needed. This prescription should be questioned by the nurse because it may cause trauma to the kidney or dislodge the tube. The nurse should only irrigate the tube if ordered by the health care provider and with a smaller amount of fluid.
Choice A is wrong because monitoring the urine’s color and odor is an appropriate intervention for a client with a nephrostomy tube. The urine may be bloody or cloudy initially, but it should gradually clear.
Choice B is wrong because recording the intake and output every eight hours is also an appropriate intervention for a client with a nephrostomy tube. The nurse should measure and document the amount and characteristics of urine drainage and report any changes or abnormalities.
Choice D is wrong because measuring the vital signs every four hours during the day is a reasonable prescription for a client with a nephrostomy tube. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of infection, bleeding, or obstruction.
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