Nokea
The nurse preparing to administer an intermittent tube feeding through a nasogastric (NG) tube assesses for residual volume. How do the resulting data assist in assuring the client's safety?
- A. Confirm proper NG tube placement.
- B. Determine the client's nutritional status.
- C. Evaluate the adequacy of gastric emptying.
- D. Assess the client's fluid and electrolyte status.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: All stomach contents are aspirated and measured before administering a tube feeding to determine the gastric residual volume. If the stomach fails to empty and propel its contents forward, the tube feeding accumulates in the stomach and increases the client's risk of aspiration. If the aspirated gastric contents exceed the predetermined limit, the nurse withholds the tube feeding and collaborates with the primary health care provider on a plan of care. Assessing gastric residual volume does not confirm placement or assess fluid and electrolyte status. The nurse uses clinical indicators, including serum albumin levels, to determine the client's nutritional status.
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A client is experiencing acute cardiac and cerebral symptoms as a result of an excess fluid volume. Which nursing measure should the nurse implement to increase the client's comfort until specific therapy is prescribed by the primary health care provider?
- A. Cover the client with warm blankets.
- B. Minimize visual and auditory stimuli present.
- C. Elevate the client's head to at least 45 degrees.
- D. Administer oxygen at 4 L per minute by nasal cannula.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Excess fluid volume can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath and cerebral edema, which can be alleviated by elevating the head of the bed to at least 45 degrees to promote venous drainage and reduce intracranial pressure. This is a safe and effective nursing intervention to increase comfort until specific medical therapy is prescribed.
The nurse is scheduling a client for a series of diagnostic studies of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Which of these studies should the nurse schedule last to avoid altering the results of the remaining tests?
- A. Ultrasound
- B. Colonoscopy
- C. Barium enema
- D. Computed tomography
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When barium is instilled into the lower GI tract, it may take up to 72 hours to clear the GI tract. The presence of barium could cause interference with obtaining clear visualization and accurate results of the other tests listed if performed before the client has fully excreted the barium. For this reason, diagnostic studies that involve barium contrast are scheduled at the conclusion of other medical imaging studies.
The client is prescribed sotalol 80 mg orally twice daily. Which assessment finding indicates that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?
- A. Dry mouth
- B. Palpitations
- C. Diaphoresis
- D. Difficulty swallowing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sotalol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that may be prescribed to treat chronic angina pectoris. Adverse effects include palpitations, bradycardia, an irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, signs of heart failure, and cold hands and feet. Gastrointestinal disturbances, anxiety and nervousness, and unusual tiredness and weakness can also occur. Options 1, 3, and 4 are not adverse effects of this medication.
The nurse is caring for a client who has undergone transsphenoidal surgery for a pituitary adenoma. In the postoperative period, which information should the nurse provide to the client to minimize the risk for surgery-related injury?
- A. Cough and deep breathe hourly.
- B. Nasal packing will be removed after 48 hours.
- C. Report frequent swallowing or postnasal drip.
- D. Acetaminophen is prescribed for severe postsurgical headache.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client should report frequent swallowing or postnasal drip or nasal drainage after transsphenoidal surgery because it could indicate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. The client should deep breathe, but coughing is contraindicated because it could cause increased intracranial pressure. The surgeon removes the nasal packing placed during surgery, usually after 24 hours. The client should also report severe headache because it could indicate increased intracranial pressure.
Tretinoin gel has been prescribed for a client with acne. What is the nurse's response when the client calls and reports that her skin has become very red and is beginning to peel?
- A. Discontinue the medication immediately.
- B. Come to the clinic immediately for an assessment.
- C. I'll notify your primary health care provider of these results.
- D. This is a normal occurrence with the use of this medication.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Tretinoin decreases cohesiveness of the epithelial cells, increasing cell mitosis and turnover. It is potentially irritating, particularly when used correctly. Within 48 hours of use, the skin generally becomes red and begins to peel. Options 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect statements to the client.