While assessing placement of a nasogastric tube (NGT), the nurse aspirates cloudy green fluid into a syringe. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Send fluid specimen to the lab.
Withdraw the NGT and reinsert.
Connect the NGT to wall suction.
Determine pH value of specimen.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A
This is unnecessary and not a standard clinical practice for confirming NGT placement.
Choice B
Withdrawing the NGT and reinsert should not be implemented. If the NGT is in the wrong place, reinserting it without further assessment could worsen the situation. The nurse should not reinsert the NGT until the correct placement is confirmed.
Choice C
Connecting the NGT to wall suction should not be implemented. Connecting the NGT to wall suction without verifying its placement could cause harm, especially if the tube is in the respiratory tract.
Choice D
This is the most evidence-based bedside method to confirm placement after the initial X-ray. Gastric aspirate typically has a pH of 5.0 or less. If the pH is higher (e.g., >6.0), it may indicate that the tube is in the lungs or the small intestine.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A
24-hour food recall, food preferences, and allergies is incorrect. While these factors are important for understanding the client's dietary habits and possible dietary restrictions, they do not directly provide information about the client's current nutritional status or overall nutritional health.
Choice B
Body mass index (BMI) and serum albumin level is correct. Body mass index (BMI) and serum albumin level are commonly used parameters to assess a client's nutritional status. These measures provide valuable information about the client's weight, muscle mass, and protein status. Let's break down the options:
Choice C
Triceps skin fold and mid-arm circumference is incorrect. These measurements can provide information about the client's body composition and muscle mass. However, they are not as commonly used as BMI and serum albumin level for assessing nutritional status.
Choice D
Weight loss history and body surface area (BSA) is incorrect. Weight loss history is relevant for understanding changes in the client's weight over time, which can indicate potential malnutrition. However, it's not as comprehensive as BMI, which considers both weight and height. Body surface area (BSA) is not typically used to assess nutritional status.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Correct answer: D
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 reflects the concentration of particles (such as electrolytes, glucose, and other solutes) in the blood. Monitoring serum osmolarity is importantto prevent complications related to fluid and electrolyte imbalances that can arise from the administration of TPN.Blood glucose levels (option D) are more critical because TPN can significantly impact glucose metabolism
Choice D
When caring for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), the nurse’spriorityis tomonitor blood glucose levels. TPN can affect blood glucose, and observing for signs of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia is crucial.Additionally, administering insulin as directed based on blood glucose levels is essential.

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