After ensuring correct tube placement, what action should the nurse take next when administering medications through a nasogastric tube (NGT) connected to suction?
- A. Clamp the tube for 20 minutes.
- B. Flush the tube with water.
- C. Administer the medications as prescribed.
- D. Crush the tablets and dissolve in sterile water.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After ensuring the correct placement of the NGT, the nurse should flush the tube with water to prevent any obstructions and ensure proper medication delivery. Flushing the tube is essential before, after, and in between each medication administration. Clamping the tube for 20 minutes should be done after all medications are administered to prevent clogging. Administering medications as prescribed and preparing medications by crushing tablets and dissolving them in sterile water should only be done after the tube has been appropriately flushed to maintain its patency and effectiveness.
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Which serum laboratory value should the nurse monitor carefully for a client who has had an NG tube for suctioning for the past week?
- A. White blood cell count
- B. Albumin
- C. Calcium
- D. Sodium
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should carefully monitor serum sodium levels for a client with an NG tube on suction for an extended period due to potential fluid loss and the risk of developing hyponatremia, an electrolyte imbalance. Hyponatremia can occur as a result of continual suctioning leading to fluid loss, making it crucial to monitor sodium levels to prevent complications associated with low sodium levels. Monitoring white blood cell count, albumin, or calcium is not directly related to the impact of NG tube suction on fluid and electrolyte balance, so these values are not the priority in this scenario.
A client is admitted with a diagnosis of fluid volume excess. Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?
- A. Encourage increased fluid intake.
- B. Place the client in a high Fowler's position.
- C. Measure the client's intake and output.
- D. Restrict dietary sodium intake.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Restricting dietary sodium intake (D) is the most critical intervention for a client with fluid volume excess to prevent further fluid retention. Encouraging increased fluid intake (A) would exacerbate the issue by adding more fluid to the body. Placing the client in a high Fowler's position (B) is more relevant for respiratory issues than fluid volume excess. While measuring intake and output (C) is important for assessing fluid balance, restricting sodium intake is the priority as it helps manage fluid levels more effectively by reducing fluid retention.
Which assessment data indicates the need for the nurse to include the problem 'Risk for falls' in a client's plan of care?
- A. Recent serum hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL
- B. Opioid analgesic received one hour ago
- C. Stooped posture with an unsteady gait
- D. Expressed feelings of depression
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The administration of opioid analgesics can impair balance and increase the risk of falls, justifying the inclusion of 'Risk for falls' in the client's care plan. Choice A, a recent serum hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL, is not directly related to the risk of falls. Choice C, stooped posture with an unsteady gait, may indicate a risk for falls, but the direct influence of opioid analgesics on balance is more immediate. Choice D, expressed feelings of depression, while important, is not a direct indicator of the immediate risk for falls associated with opioid analgesic use.
One week after being told that she has terminal cancer with a life expectancy of 3 weeks, a female client tells the nurse, 'I think I will plan a big party for all my friends.' How should the nurse respond?
- A. You may not have enough energy before long to hold a big party.
- B. Do you mean to say that you want to plan your funeral and wake?
- C. Planning a party and thinking about all your friends sounds like fun.
- D. You should be thinking about spending your last days with your family.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Setting goals that bring pleasure is appropriate and should be encouraged by the nurse. Choice A is discouraging and focuses on limitations. Choice B jumps to a conclusion and is not in line with the client's statement. Choice D dictates what the client should be doing, which is not respectful of the client's autonomy. Therefore, the most appropriate response is C, as it acknowledges the client's wishes and provides positive reinforcement without perpetuating denial.
During evacuation of a group of clients from a medical unit because of a fire, the nurse observes an ambulatory client walking alone toward the stairway at the end of the hall. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Assign an unlicensed assistive personnel to transport the client via a wheelchair.
- B. Remind the client to walk carefully down the stairs until reaching a lower floor.
- C. Ask the client to help by assisting a wheelchair-bound client to a nearby elevator.
- D. Open the closest fire doors to facilitate the evacuation of ambulatory clients.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a fire evacuation, it is crucial for ambulatory clients to be reminded to walk carefully down the stairs. This helps ensure the safety of the client by preventing falls or injuries during the evacuation process. Directing the client to proceed cautiously down the stairs until reaching a lower floor provides necessary guidance to promote a safe evacuation process. Choice A is incorrect because assigning unlicensed assistive personnel to transport the client via a wheelchair may delay the evacuation process and increase the risk of injury. Choice C is incorrect as it distracts the ambulatory client from evacuating safely by involving them in assisting another client. Choice D is incorrect as opening fire doors may not be the most appropriate action at that moment; prioritizing safe evacuation procedures for ambulatory clients is essential.