Nursing Elites

1. The nurse has inserted a nasogastric tube to the level of the oropharynx and has repositioned the client’s head in a flexed-forward position. The client has been asked to begin swallowing. The nurse starts slowly to advance the nasogastric tube with each swallow. The client begins to cough, gag, and choke. Which nursing action would least likely result in proper tube insertion and promote client relaxation?

• A. Continuing to advance the tube to the desired distance
• B. Pulling the tube back slightly
• C. Checking the back of the pharynx using a tongue blade and flashlight.
• D. Instructing the client to breathe slowly and take sips of water.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: As the nasogastric tube is passed through the oropharynx, the gag reflex is stimulated, which may cause coughing, gagging, or choking. Instead of passing through to the esophagus, the nasogastric tube may coil around itself in the oropharynx, or it may enter the larynx and obstruct the airway, pulling the tube back slightly will remove it from the larynx; advancing the tube might position it in the trachea. Swallowing closes the epiglottis over the trachea and helps move the tube into the esophagus. Slow breathing helps the client relax to reduce the gag response. The nurse should check the back of the client’s throat to note if the tube has coiled. The tube may be advanced after the client relaxes.

2. You’re doing preoperative teaching with Gertrude who has ulcerative colitis who needs surgery to create an ileoanal reservoir. Which information do you include?

• A. A reservoir is created that exits through the abdominal wall.
• B. A second surgery is required 12 months after the first surgery.
• C. A permanent ileostomy is created.
• D. The surgery occurs in two stages.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The surgery to create an ileoanal reservoir occurs in two stages.

3. The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis. Which manifestations indicate deficient vitamin K absorption caused by this liver disease?

• A. Dyspnea and fatigue
• B. Ascites and orthopnea
• C. Purpura and petechiae
• D. Gynecomastia and testicular atrophy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A liver disorder, such as cirrhosis, can disrupt the liver's normal use of vitamin K to produce prothrombin (a clotting factor). Because of this, the nurse should monitor the client for signs of bleeding, including purpura and petechiae. Dyspnea and fatigue suggest anemia. Ascites and orthopnea are unrelated to vitamin K absorption. Gynecomastia and testicular atrophy result from decreased estrogen metabolism by the diseased liver.

4. A nurse is inserting a nasogastric tube in an adult client. During the procedure, the client begins to cough and has difficulty breathing. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?

• A. Remove the tube and reinsert when the respiratory distress subsides.
• B. Pull back on the tube and wait until the respiratory distress subsides.
• C. Quickly insert the tube.
• D. Notify the physician immediately.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During the insertion of a nasogastric tube, if the client experiences difficulty breathing or any respiratory distress, withdraw the tube slightly, stop the tube advancement, and wait until the distress subsides. Options 1 and 4 are unnecessary. Quickly inserting the tube is not an appropriate action because, in this situation, it may be likely that the tube has entered the bronchus.

5. Which of the following nursing measures would be inappropriate when caring for a client with a Cantor tube?

• A. Injecting 10 mL of air into the tube to facilitate drainage.
• B. Applying a water-soluble lubricant to the client's nares.
• C. Coiling extra tubing on the client's bed.
• D. Irrigating the tube with 50 mL of normal saline solution.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Intestinal tubes are not irrigated. Injecting air into the tube, applying water-soluble lubricant, and coiling extra tubing are appropriate nursing measures.

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