Which of the following techniques would the nurse use first to determine if a nasogastric tube is positioned in the stomach?
- A. Aspirating with a syringe and observing for the return of gastric contents.
- B. Irrigating with normal saline and observing for the return of solution.
- C. Placing the tube's free end in water and observing for air bubbles.
- D. Instilling air and auscultating over the epigastric area for the presence of the tube.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Aspirating with a syringe and observing for the return of gastric contents. This technique is used first because it directly confirms the tube's placement by withdrawing gastric contents. If the tube is in the stomach, gastric contents will be aspirated.
Choice B is incorrect because irrigating with normal saline does not confirm the tube placement in the stomach. Choice C is incorrect because placing the tube's free end in water and observing for air bubbles is not an accurate method to confirm stomach placement. Choice D is incorrect because instilling air and auscultating over the epigastric area may not provide definitive confirmation of tube placement in the stomach.
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Which of the following activities should the nurse encourage the client with a peptic ulcer to avoid?
- A. Chewing gum.
- B. Smoking cigarettes.
- C. Eating chocolate.
- D. Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Smoking cigarettes. Smoking can increase stomach acid production and decrease blood flow to the stomach lining, which can worsen peptic ulcers. Chewing gum can actually help by increasing saliva production, which can neutralize stomach acid. Eating chocolate and taking acetaminophen are generally safe for peptic ulcer patients as long as they do not have specific allergies or sensitivities.
Lactulose (Chronulac) is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy. The nurse would determine that this medication has had a therapeutic effect if which of the following is noted?
- A. Increased red blood cell count
- B. Decreased serum ammonia level
- C. Increased protein level
- D. Decreased white blood cell level
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased serum ammonia level. Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy by reducing serum ammonia levels through its laxative effect, promoting the excretion of ammonia in the feces. Decreased ammonia levels indicate that the medication is effectively managing the condition. Increased red blood cell count (A), increased protein level (C), and decreased white blood cell level (D) are not directly related to the therapeutic effect of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy.
The client has had a new colostomy created 2 days earlier. The client is beginning to pass malodorous flatus from the stoma. The nurse interprets that
- A. This indicates inadequate preoperative bowel preparation.
- B. This is a normal, expected event.
- C. The client is experiencing early signs of ischemic bowel.
- D. The client should not have the nasogastric tube removed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: This is a normal, expected event. After colostomy creation, it is common for clients to pass malodorous flatus from the stoma as the intestines begin to function. This is due to the presence of normal intestinal flora. Choice A is incorrect as preoperative bowel preparation does not directly relate to malodorous flatus post-colostomy. Choice C is incorrect as ischemic bowel presents with more serious symptoms. Choice D is incorrect as nasogastric tube removal is not related to passing flatus from the stoma.
Which nursing measure would be most effective in helping the client cough and deep breathe after a cholecystectomy?
- A. Having the client take rapid, shallow breaths to decrease pain.
- B. Having the client lay on the left side while coughing and deep breathing.
- C. Teaching the client to use a folded blanket or pillow to splint the incision.
- D. Withholding pain medication so the client can be alert enough to follow the nurse's instructions.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Teaching the client to use a folded blanket or pillow to splint the incision. This measure helps support the incision site, reducing pain during coughing and deep breathing. Splinting the incision promotes effective coughing and deep breathing post-surgery, aiding in lung expansion and preventing complications like atelectasis.
Explanation of why other choices are incorrect:
A: Having the client take rapid, shallow breaths to decrease pain is incorrect as it can lead to inadequate lung expansion and retention of secretions.
B: Having the client lay on the left side while coughing and deep breathing is incorrect as it does not directly support the incision site and may not be as effective in reducing pain.
D: Withholding pain medication so the client can be alert enough to follow the nurse's instructions is incorrect as pain management is crucial post-surgery for comfort and optimal recovery.
The client is admitted to the hospital with viral hepatitis, complaining of 'no appetite' and 'losing my taste for food.' To provide adequate nutrition, the nurse would instruct the client to
- A. Eat a good supper when anorexia is not as severe.
- B. Eat less often, preferably only three large meals daily.
- C. Increase intake of fluids including juices.
- D. Select foods high in fat.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increase intake of fluids including juices. This is because viral hepatitis can cause anorexia and a decreased taste for food, leading to poor nutrition. Increasing fluid intake, especially juices, can help provide essential nutrients and prevent dehydration.
A: Eating a good supper when anorexia is not as severe may not be effective in addressing the client's overall nutritional needs during the day.
B: Eating less often and only three large meals daily can worsen the client's nutritional status and may not address the decreased appetite and taste for food.
D: Selecting foods high in fat may not be appropriate for someone with viral hepatitis, as it can exacerbate liver inflammation and contribute to poor nutrition.