Nursing Elites

1. Before administering an intermittent tube feeding through a nasogastric tube, the nurse assesses for gastric residual. The nurse understands that this procedure is important to

• A. Confirm proper nasogastric tube placement.
• B. Observe gastric contents.
• C. Assess fluid and electrolyte status.
• D. Evaluate absorption of the last feeding.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Evaluating the absorption of the last feeding is important because administration of a tube feeding to a full stomach could result in overdistention, thus predisposing the client to regurgitation and possible aspiration.

2. Vasopressin (Pitressin) therapy is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of bleeding esophageal varices. The nurse is preparing to administer the medication to the client. Which of the following essential items is needed during the administration of this medication?

• A. A cardiac monitor
• B. An intubation set
• C. A suction setup
• D. A tracheotomy set

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The major action of vasopressin is constriction of the splanchnic blood flow. Continuous electrocardiogram and blood pressure monitoring are essential because of the constrictive effects of the medication on the coronary arteries. Options 2, 3, and 4 are not essential items required during the administration of this medication.

3. The nurse develops a plan of care for a client with a T tube. Which one of the following nursing interventions should be included?

• A. Inspect skin around the T tube daily for irritation.
• B. Irrigate the T tube every 4 hours to maintain patency.
• C. Maintain the client in a supine position while the T tube is in place.
• D. Keep the T tube clamped except during mealtimes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct nursing intervention to include in the plan of care for a client with a T tube is to inspect the skin around the T tube daily for irritation. Bile is erosive and can cause skin irritation, so it is crucial to keep the skin clean and dry. T tubes are not routinely irrigated; irrigation is done only with a physician's order. It is unnecessary to maintain the client in a supine position; instead, assist the client into a position of comfort. T tubes are not typically clamped unless ordered by a physician, and if clamped, it is usually done 1 to 2 hours before and after meals.

4. The client has orders for a nasogastric (NG) tube insertion. During the procedure, instructions that will assist in the insertion would be:

• A. Instruct the client to tilt his head back for insertion in the nostril, then flex his neck for the final insertion
• B. After insertion into the nostril, instruct the client to extend his neck
• C. Introduce the tube with the client’s head tilted back, then instruct him to keep his head upright for final insertion
• D. Instruct the client to hold his chin down, then back for insertion of the tube

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Instructing the client to tilt his head back for insertion in the nostril, then flex his neck for the final insertion helps facilitate the NG tube insertion.

5. Which of the following measures should the nurse focus on for the client with esophageal varices?

• A. Recognizing hemorrhage
• B. Controlling blood pressure
• C. Encouraging nutritional intake
• D. Teaching the client about varices

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary focus for a client with esophageal varices is recognizing hemorrhage because these varices can rupture and cause significant bleeding.

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