A nurse is preparing to administer an intermittent enteral feeding to a client who has an NG tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Heat the feeding to 105°F (40.6°C).
- B. Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees.
- C. Flush the tube with 0.9% sodium chloride.
- D. Verify the pH of the gastric aspirate.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Verifying the pH of the gastric aspirate is the correct action to take before administering an intermittent enteral feeding through an NG tube. This step ensures proper tube placement in the stomach, as the gastric aspirate should have an acidic pH (usually below 5). Heating the feeding solution, elevating the head of the bed, or flushing the tube with saline are not directly related to verifying tube placement and are not the immediate actions needed before administering the feeding.
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A nurse is providing education to a client who is at 28 weeks gestation and has gestational diabetes mellitus. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
- A. You will need to increase your protein intake during pregnancy.
- B. It is important to monitor your blood glucose levels closely.
- C. Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
- D. You will need to avoid exercise while managing your blood sugar.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct statement the nurse should make is that gestational diabetes can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. This information is crucial for the client's understanding of the potential long-term implications of gestational diabetes. Monitoring blood glucose levels closely (Choice B) is also important but does not address the long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Choices A and D are incorrect as increasing protein intake during pregnancy and avoiding exercise are not recommended strategies for managing gestational diabetes.
A nurse is admitting a client who has schizophrenia and experiences auditory hallucinations. The client states, 'It's hard not to listen to the voices.' Which of the following questions should the nurse ask?
- A. Do you understand that the voices are not real?
- B. Why do you think the voices are talking to you?
- C. Have you tried going to a private place when this occurs?
- D. What helps you ignore what you are hearing?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: What helps you ignore what you are hearing?' Asking the client about coping mechanisms is essential in assisting them to manage auditory hallucinations. Choice A is incorrect as questioning the reality of the voices may not be helpful. Choice B delves into the cause of the hallucinations rather than coping strategies. Choice C focuses on isolation rather than addressing the client's coping mechanisms.
A client who has a new prescription for prednisone is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will avoid taking this medication with food.
- B. I will need to take this medication for the rest of my life.
- C. I will take this medication for 2 weeks and then stop.
- D. I will take this medication with a high-protein snack.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because prednisone is usually prescribed for long-term use. Stopping it abruptly can lead to adrenal insufficiency. Choice A is incorrect because prednisone should be taken with food to prevent stomach upset. Choice C is incorrect as prednisone is typically tapered off gradually to avoid adverse effects. Choice D is incorrect as there is no specific requirement to take prednisone with a high-protein snack.
A client who has a new prescription for spironolactone is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will avoid foods that are high in potassium.
- B. I will avoid foods that are high in sodium.
- C. I will need to have my blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication.
- D. I will need to have my potassium levels checked regularly while taking this medication.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because clients taking spironolactone should have their potassium levels checked regularly. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it helps the body retain potassium and can lead to hyperkalemia if levels become too high. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because avoiding foods high in potassium, sodium, or monitoring blood pressure are not specific to the teaching related to spironolactone.
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is receiving a continuous IV infusion of furosemide. Which of the following findings indicates the nurse should increase the client's infusion rate?
- A. Urine output of 20 mL/hr
- B. Heart rate of 90/min
- C. Sodium level of 138 mEq/L
- D. Weight gain of 1 kg in 24 hr
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A weight gain of 1 kg in 24 hours can indicate fluid retention and worsening heart failure, requiring an increase in diuresis. This finding suggests that the current diuretic therapy is not effective enough to manage the fluid overload, necessitating an increase in the infusion rate of furosemide. Choices A, B, and C are not directly related to the need for an increase in diuretic therapy in heart failure patients. Urine output of 20 mL/hr, a heart rate of 90/min, and a sodium level of 138 mEq/L are important parameters to monitor but do not specifically indicate the need to increase the infusion rate of furosemide.