When caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube, what is the most appropriate intervention to prevent aspiration?
- A. Flush the NG tube with water before each feeding.
- B. Check the placement of the NG tube before each feeding.
- C. Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees.
- D. Provide the patient with oral care every 4 hours.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees is the most appropriate intervention to prevent aspiration in a patient with an NG tube. This position helps reduce the risk of regurgitation and aspiration by promoting the proper flow of contents through the gastrointestinal tract and minimizing the chances of stomach contents entering the airway. Flushing the NG tube with water before each feeding may not directly prevent aspiration. Checking the placement of the NG tube is important but does not specifically address the prevention of aspiration. Providing oral care every 4 hours is essential for maintaining oral hygiene but is not directly related to preventing aspiration in a patient with an NG tube.
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A patient is at risk for impaired skin integrity. What is the priority intervention for the nurse?
- A. Turn and reposition the patient every 2 hours.
- B. Apply a moisture barrier to the patient's skin.
- C. Massage the patient's skin to promote circulation.
- D. Apply a heating pad to the patient's skin to increase blood flow.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to turn and reposition the patient every 2 hours. This intervention is crucial in preventing pressure ulcers and maintaining skin integrity by relieving pressure on bony prominences. Applying a moisture barrier (Choice B) is important for moisture-associated skin damage but is not the priority in this case. Massaging the patient's skin (Choice C) can potentially cause friction and shear, increasing the risk of skin breakdown. Applying a heating pad (Choice D) can lead to burns or thermal injuries, exacerbating skin integrity issues.
Which goal is most appropriate for a patient who has had a total hip replacement?
- A. The nurse will assist the patient in ambulating in the hall 2 times a day.
- B. The patient will walk 100 feet using a walker by the time of discharge.
- C. The patient will ambulate briskly on the treadmill by the time of discharge.
- D. The patient will ambulate independently by the time of discharge.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is the most appropriate goal for a patient who has had a total hip replacement because it is specific, measurable, and achievable. Walking 100 feet using a walker is a realistic and individualized target for a patient in the recovery phase following hip surgery. Choices A, C, and D are not as suitable: Choice A does not specify a measurable distance or objective, Choice C sets a potentially unrealistic expectation for brisk ambulation on a treadmill, and Choice D lacks the specificity of the distance to be walked.
What is the most appropriate action for handling hazardous drugs?
- A. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling.
- B. Store the drugs according to manufacturer instructions.
- C. Discard unused drugs in regular trash.
- D. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling hazardous drugs.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate action when handling hazardous drugs is to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect oneself from exposure to the harmful substances. Gloves and handwashing are important but may not provide sufficient protection from hazardous drugs. Storing drugs correctly and disposing of unused drugs properly are also essential, but the primary focus should be on using PPE to prevent exposure.
What is the most appropriate action for a healthcare provider to take when a patient refuses a prescribed medication?
- A. Document the refusal and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the medication at a later time.
- C. Explain the importance of the medication and its effects.
- D. Respect the patient's right to refuse the medication.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to respect the patient's right to refuse the medication. It is crucial to uphold the patient's autonomy and decision-making capacity when it comes to their treatment. Administering the medication later without the patient's consent (Choice B) disregards their autonomy and can lead to ethical issues. Documenting the refusal and notifying the healthcare provider (Choice A) is important for legal and continuity of care purposes but should come after respecting the patient's decision. While explaining the importance of the medication (Choice C) is valuable for promoting understanding and compliance, the immediate concern should be respecting the patient's refusal.
What is the primary purpose of turning and repositioning an immobile patient every 2 hours?
- A. To improve circulation and relieve pressure.
- B. To prevent contractures and muscle atrophy.
- C. To prevent skin breakdown and pressure ulcers.
- D. To improve respiratory function and prevent pneumonia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary purpose of turning and repositioning an immobile patient every 2 hours is to prevent skin breakdown and pressure ulcers. Prolonged immobility can lead to pressure ulcers, making this a crucial nursing intervention. Choice A is incorrect because while turning can help improve circulation and relieve pressure, the primary purpose is to prevent skin breakdown. Choice B is incorrect as preventing contractures and muscle atrophy is important but not the primary purpose of turning. Choice D is incorrect as improving respiratory function and preventing pneumonia are not directly related to turning and repositioning for skin integrity.
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