Nursing Elites

1. What are the key considerations when administering medication via a nasogastric (NG) tube?

• A. Checking tube placement before administration
• B. Administering medication in liquid form whenever possible
• C. Crushing tablets and mixing them with water if needed
• D. Flushing the NG tube with water before and after medication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Checking tube placement before administration. This is a crucial step to ensure that the medication reaches the stomach safely and does not end up in the lungs, which can lead to serious complications. Choice B is incorrect as not all medications can be administered in liquid form. Choice C is incorrect because crushing tablets can alter their effectiveness or cause harm. Choice D is incorrect as flushing the NG tube with water is not a standard practice before administering medication, unless specified by healthcare provider instructions.

2. A patient is receiving enteral feedings through a nasogastric (NG) tube. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Flush the NG tube with water before and after each feeding.
• B. Check the placement of the NG tube before each feeding.
• C. Administer medications through the NG tube every 4 hours.
• D. Increase the feeding rate if the patient is tolerating well.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Checking the placement of the NG tube before each feeding is crucial as it ensures the tube is correctly positioned, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration or improper delivery of feedings. Flushing the NG tube with water before and after each feeding can disrupt the feeding schedule and is not a standard procedure. Administering medications through the NG tube every 4 hours may not be necessary for all patients and should be based on specific medication requirements. Increasing the feeding rate without proper assessment and monitoring can lead to feeding intolerance or complications, making it an inappropriate intervention.

3. When working with a client who does not speak the same language, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Speak directly to the interpreter
• B. Use family members to translate
• C. Speak directly to the patient
• D. Use medical jargon

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When caring for a client who does not speak the same language, it is essential for the nurse to speak directly to the patient. This approach helps maintain rapport, establishes a trusting relationship, and ensures better communication. Speaking to the interpreter instead of the patient can lead to misunderstandings and hinder the therapeutic relationship. Using family members to translate is not recommended as they may not provide accurate or confidential information. Lastly, using medical jargon can further complicate communication and may not be understood by the patient.

4. A newly licensed nurse tells a charge nurse that he is unsure about accepting telephone medication prescriptions. Which of the following providers should the charge nurse identify as having the legal ability to give telephone medication prescriptions?

• A. Anesthesiologists
• B. Physician assistants
• C. Hospital pharmacists
• D. Nurse practitioners

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anesthesiologists. Anesthesiologists are licensed providers who have the legal authority to give telephone medication prescriptions. Physician assistants (choice B), hospital pharmacists (choice C), and nurse practitioners (choice D) do not typically have the legal ability to provide medication prescriptions over the phone. In this scenario, the charge nurse should inform the newly licensed nurse that anesthesiologists are one of the providers who can legally give telephone medication prescriptions.

5. While caring for a client receiving morphine, what assessment is the priority for a nurse to conduct?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Respiratory rate
• D. Temperature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring the respiratory rate. Morphine can depress respiratory function, leading to respiratory depression or arrest. Therefore, closely monitoring the client's respiratory rate is crucial to detect any signs of respiratory distress. While blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are important assessments, in this scenario, respiratory rate takes precedence due to the potential respiratory complications associated with morphine administration.

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