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 D
Explanation
Choice A
Offering water to the client hourly is not appropriate. While staying hydrated is important for overall health, offering water hourly might not be necessary unless there is a specific indication of dehydration. However, monitoring the client's fluid intake and output is a good approach.
Choice B
Reducing dairy product intake is not appropriate. Dairy product intake is not typically associated with sudden onset confusion. Reducing dairy product intake would not be the primary intervention for addressing confusion.
Choice C
Increasing daily sodium intake is not appropriate. Increasing sodium intake is unlikely to be the appropriate intervention for confusion unless there is a specific medical reason for it. Moreover, excessive sodium intake can have negative health consequences.
Choice D
Reviewing the intake and output record is appropriate. Confusion in an older client can be caused by various factors, including medical conditions, medication side effects, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Reviewing the intake and output record (option D) is a reasonable intervention to gather more information about the client's fluid balance and hydration status. This can help the nurse assess whether the confusion might be related to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A
Describing the value of eating smaller portion sizes is not appropriate. While portion control is important, this advice alone might not address the overall dietary quality and exercise component necessary for effective weight loss.
Choice B
Encouraging a well-balanced diet and moderate exercise is appropriate. This intervention focuses on promoting healthy and sustainable weight loss. A well-balanced diet helps ensure that the client is getting all the necessary nutrients while aiming for a calorie deficit for weight loss. Moderate exercise complements dietary changes and contributes to overall health and weight management.
Choice C
Exploring the reasons, the client wants to lose weight is inappropriate. While understanding the client's motivations is valuable, this doesn't directly provide guidance on how to achieve the goal of losing 10 pounds.
Choice D
Determining if the client has a history of anorexia is inappropriate. While assessing for eating disorders is important in general, assuming there's no indication of anorexia, the focus should be on providing guidance for safe and effective weight loss.
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