A client requires gastric decompression, and a nurse is inserting an NG tube. Which action should the nurse take to verify proper placement of the tube?
- A. Assess the client for a gag reflex
- B. Measure the pH of the gastric aspirate
- C. Place the end of the NG tube in water to observe for bubbling
- D. Auscultate 2.5 cm (1 in) above the umbilicus while injecting 15 mL of sterile water
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Measuring the pH of the gastric aspirate is the most reliable method to confirm proper placement of an NG tube. Gastric fluid has an acidic pH, typically ranging from 1 to 5. Assessing the client for a gag reflex (choice A) is important for airway protection but does not confirm tube placement. Placing the NG tube in water to observe for bubbling (choice C) is incorrect and not a reliable method for verifying placement. Auscultating 2.5 cm above the umbilicus while injecting sterile water (choice D) is an outdated method and is not recommended for verifying NG tube placement.
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A nurse is preparing to administer methylprednisolone 10 mg by IV bolus. The amount available is methylprednisolone injection 40-mg/mL. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Do not use a trailing zero.)
- A. 0.3 mL
- B. 0.25 mL
- C. 0.4 mL
- D. 0.5 mL
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To calculate the mL to administer, use the formula: Dose required (mg) · Stock concentration (mg/mL) = Volume to administer (mL). In this case, 10 mg · 40 mg/mL = 0.25 mL. However, when rounding to the nearest tenth, the answer should be 0.3 mL. Therefore, the nurse should administer 0.3 mL. Choice A is the correct answer. Choice B (0.25 mL) is the result obtained before rounding. Choice C (0.4 mL) and Choice D (0.5 mL) are incorrect calculations.
A client is admitted with a diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Which assessment finding is most concerning?
- A. Loss of reflexes in the legs
- B. Decreased peripheral sensation
- C. Respiratory distress
- D. Muscle weakness in the arms
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory distress. In Guillain-Barre syndrome, respiratory distress is the most concerning finding as it can indicate progression to respiratory failure, which is a life-threatening complication. Loss of reflexes in the legs and muscle weakness in the arms are common manifestations of the condition but may not be as immediately life-threatening as respiratory distress. Decreased peripheral sensation is also a common symptom but is not as critical as respiratory distress in terms of immediate patient safety and management.
A client is being taught about medications at discharge. Which statement should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands the instructions?
- A. I can open the time-release capsule with the beads in it and sprinkle them on my oatmeal.
- B. If I am having difficulty swallowing, I will add the liquid medication to a prepared package of pudding.
- C. I can crush the enteric-coated pill if needed.
- D. I will eat two crackers with the pain pills.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Adding liquid medication to pudding can help with swallowing difficulties, demonstrating understanding of the instructions. Options A and C are incorrect as altering time-release capsules and enteric-coated pills is not recommended in medication administration. Option A is incorrect as time-release capsules should not be opened and sprinkled on food, affecting their efficacy. Option C is incorrect as crushing enteric-coated pills can affect their absorption. Option D is unrelated to medication administration and does not demonstrate understanding of the instructions.
A home health nurse is planning to provide health promotion activities for a group of clients in the community. Which of the following activities is an example of the nurse promoting primary prevention?
- A. Educating clients about the recommended immunization schedule for adults
- B. Teaching clients how to manage chronic illnesses
- C. Providing counseling for depression
- D. Offering support groups for cancer survivors
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Educating clients about the recommended immunization schedule for adults. This activity falls under primary prevention, which aims to prevent the onset of illness or injury. Immunizations are a proactive measure to protect individuals from developing certain diseases. Choices B, C, and D involve managing chronic illnesses, providing counseling for mental health issues, and offering support for individuals who have already experienced cancer, respectively. These activities are more aligned with secondary or tertiary prevention, focusing on managing existing conditions or preventing complications in those already affected.
A client is scheduled for an IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram). Which of the following data from the client's history indicates a potential hazard for this test?
- A. Reflex incontinence
- B. Allergic to shellfish
- C. Claustrophobia
- D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Allergic to shellfish.' An allergy to shellfish can indicate a sensitivity to iodine, which is used in the contrast dye for an IVP, posing a risk of an allergic reaction. Reflex incontinence (Choice A) is not directly related to the potential hazard of an IVP. Claustrophobia (Choice C) and hypertension (Choice D) are also not significant factors that indicate a potential hazard for an IVP.