A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client via a nasogastric (NG) tube. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Crush all medications and administer them all at once.
- B. Flush the NG tube before and after each medication.
- C. Administer only liquid forms of medications.
- D. Skip flushing the tube entirely.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Flush the NG tube before and after each medication.' Flushing the NG tube is essential to ensure that the medication passes through smoothly without any obstruction. It helps prevent clogging of the tube and ensures that the full dose of the medication reaches the patient. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because crushing all medications at once, administering only liquid forms of medications, and skipping tube flushing entirely can lead to complications such as tube blockages, incomplete medication administration, and potential harm to the client.
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What is the most important action for the nurse to take after finding a patient on the floor who reports, 'I fell out of bed'?
- A. Reassess the patient.
- B. Complete an incident report.
- C. Notify the health care provider.
- D. Take no action, as no harm has occurred.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most important action for the nurse to take after finding a patient on the floor who reports falling out of bed is to notify the health care provider. This is crucial to ensure that the incident is reported, documented, and that the patient receives necessary follow-up care. Reassessing the patient is important, but notifying the healthcare provider takes precedence to address any potential injuries or issues that may have resulted from the fall. Completing an incident report is necessary, but immediate notification to the healthcare provider is more critical in this situation. Doing nothing is not an appropriate response, as the patient's safety and well-being must be the top priority.
How can a healthcare provider prevent pressure ulcers in an immobile patient?
- A. Turn the patient every 4 hours.
- B. Provide the patient with a special mattress.
- C. Elevate the patient's legs to reduce pressure.
- D. Limit the patient's movement to reduce friction.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Providing the immobile patient with a special mattress is an effective way to prevent pressure ulcers. Special mattresses help distribute pressure evenly and reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers by relieving pressure on sensitive areas. Turning the patient every 4 hours (Choice A) is a standard practice to prevent pressure ulcers but may not be as effective as using a special mattress. Elevating the patient's legs (Choice C) can help with circulation but may not directly prevent pressure ulcers. Limiting the patient's movement (Choice D) can lead to other complications and is not a recommended method for preventing pressure ulcers.
The nurse is caring for a group of medical-surgical patients. A fire has been reported in an adjacent wing of the hospital. What should the nurse do to ensure the patients' safety?
- A. Wait until the fire department arrives before taking action.
- B. Close all doors.
- C. Identify evacuation routes.
- D. Move bedridden patients in their beds.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a fire emergency, it is crucial to close all doors to contain smoke and fire, helping to protect the patients. This action can prevent the spread of fire and smoke to the area where patients are located. Identifying evacuation routes is also important for a timely and orderly evacuation if necessary. Waiting for the fire department to arrive before taking action (Choice A) can waste valuable time and put patients at risk. Moving bedridden patients in their beds (Choice D) can be dangerous during a fire and should be avoided as it can expose patients and staff to more risks.
The nurse is assessing the patient for respiratory complications of immobility. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Auscultate the entire lung region to assess lung sounds.
- B. Assess the patient at least every 4 hours.
- C. Focus auscultation on the upper lung fields.
- D. Inspect chest wall movements primarily during the expiratory cycle.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Auscultating the entire lung region is the most appropriate action when assessing a patient for respiratory complications related to immobility. This approach helps the nurse identify any abnormalities in lung sounds, such as diminished breath sounds or the presence of secretions. Assessing the patient at regular intervals (choice B) is important but does not specifically address the respiratory assessment needed in this situation. Focusing auscultation on the upper lung fields (choice C) may miss potential issues in other areas. Inspecting chest wall movements primarily during the expiratory cycle (choice D) is not the most effective way to assess lung sounds and identify respiratory complications.
A healthcare provider gives a verbal order for a medication. The nurse is uncomfortable with the order and questions its appropriateness. What should the nurse do?
- A. Refuse to administer the medication and document the refusal.
- B. Clarify the order with the provider before proceeding.
- C. Administer the medication and monitor the patient.
- D. Call a pharmacy consult to discuss the medication.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when uncomfortable with a verbal order for medication is to clarify the order with the provider before proceeding. This ensures patient safety by confirming the appropriateness of the order and prevents any potential harm. Choice A is incorrect because refusing to administer the medication without clarification may delay necessary treatment for the patient. Choice C is incorrect as administering the medication without clarification could pose risks if the order is indeed inappropriate. Choice D is also incorrect as the first step should be direct clarification with the provider before involving others.