which of the following techniques would the nurse use first to determine if a nasogastric tube is positioned in the stomach
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions

1. Which of the following techniques would the nurse use first to determine if a nasogastric tube is positioned in the stomach?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The initial way to determine if a nasogastric tube is in the stomach is to apply suction to the tube with a syringe and observe for the return of stomach contents. Then the pH of the aspirate can be measured. This is the method of choice. One would not irrigate until tube placement is confirmed. Observing for air bubbles when the free end of the tube is placed under water is an unacceptable, unsafe method of determining tube placement. Another method is to instill air into the tube with a syringe while auscultating over the epigastric area. Hearing the air enter the stomach helps ensure proper placement, but the method is not foolproof and is no longer considered an effective or preferred way to determine placement.

2. The nurse aspirates 40 mL of undigested formula from the client’s nasogastric tube. Before administering an intermittent tube feeding, the nurse understands that the 40 mL of gastric aspirate should be

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After checking the residual feeding contents, the gastric contents are reinstalled into the stomach by removing the syringe bulb or plunger and pouring the gastric contents into the syringe and through the nasogastric tube. Gastric contents should be reinstalled to maintain the client’s electrolyte balance. The gastric contents should be poured into the nasogastric tube through a syringe without a plunger and not injected by putting pressure on the plunger. Gastric contents do not need to be mixed with water or should the contents be discarded.

3. Which of the following areas is the most common site of fistulas in clients with Crohn’s disease?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The anorectal area is the most common site of fistulas in clients with Crohn's disease.

4. The nurse is doing an admission assessment on a client with a history of duodenal ulcer. To determine whether the problem is currently active, the nurse would assess the client for which of the following most frequent symptom(s) of duodenal ulcer?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pain that is relieved by food intake is the most frequent symptom of duodenal ulcers because the food neutralizes the stomach acid.

5. After a subtotal gastrectomy, the nurse should anticipate that nasogastric tube drainage will be what color for about 12 to 24 hours after surgery?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Dark brown drainage is expected for about 12 to 24 hours after surgery.

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