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. Glenda has cholelithiasis (gallstones). You expect her to complain of:

• A. Pain in the right upper quadrant, radiating to the shoulder.
• B. Pain in the right lower quadrant, with rebound tenderness.
• C. Pain in the left upper quadrant, with shortness of breath.
• D. Pain in the left lower quadrant, with mild cramping.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patients with cholelithiasis often complain of pain in the right upper quadrant, radiating to the shoulder.

3. Sharon has cirrhosis of the liver and develops ascites. What intervention is necessary to decrease the excessive accumulation of serous fluid in her peritoneal cavity?

• A. Restrict fluids
• B. Encourage ambulation
• C. Increase sodium in the diet
• D. Give antacids as prescribed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Restricting fluids is necessary to decrease the excessive accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity for a patient with ascites due to cirrhosis.

4. An enema is prescribed for a client with suspected appendicitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Prepare 750 ml of irrigating solution warmed to 100*F
• B. Question the physician about the order
• C. Provide privacy and explain the procedure to the client
• D. Assist the client to left lateral Sim’s position

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An enema is contraindicated in clients with suspected appendicitis because it can increase the risk of perforation. It is important to verify the appropriateness of this order with the physician.

5. The nurse is monitoring a client for the early signs of dumping syndrome. Which symptom indicates this occurrence?

• A. Abdominal cramping and pain
• B. Bradycardia and indigestion
• C. Sweating and pallor
• D. Double vision and chest pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sweating and pallor are early signs of dumping syndrome, a condition where food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine.

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