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. You’re caring for a 28 y.o. woman with hepatitis B. She’s concerned about the duration of her recovery. Which response isn’t appropriate?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the patient to not worry about the future is not appropriate. Instead, address her concerns and provide information.

3. The nurse is caring for a client who underwent a subtotal gastrectomy. To manage dumping syndrome, the nurse should advise the client to:

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A client who experiences dumping syndrome after a subtotal gastrectomy should be advised to ingest liquids between meals rather than with meals. Taking fluids between meals allows for adequate hydration, reduces the amount of bulk ingested with meals, and aids in preventing rapid gastric emptying. There is no need to restrict the amount of fluids, just the time when the client drinks fluids. Drinking liquids with meals increases the risk of dumping syndrome by increasing the amount of bulk and stimulating rapid gastric emptying. Small amounts of water are allowable before meals.

4. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and is monitoring the client for signs of portal hypertension. Which initial sign, if noted in the client, indicates the presence of portal hypertension?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clinical signs and symptoms or portal hypertension are identical to those of heart failure and include jugular vein distention, lung crackles, and decreased perfusion to all organs. Initially, the client may have hypertension, flushed skin, and a bounding pulse.

5. Anna is 45 y.o. and has a bleeding ulcer. Despite multiple blood transfusions, her HGB is 7.5g/dl and HCT is 27%. Her doctor determines that surgical intervention is necessary and she undergoes partial gastrectomy. Postoperative nursing care includes:

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Postoperative care for a patient who underwent partial gastrectomy includes keeping her NPO until the return of peristalsis to prevent complications.

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