Which of the following is the best method for confirming nasogastric tube placement?
- A. Auscultating over the stomach while injecting air
- B. Checking the pH of the aspirate
- C. Observing the patient's response during feeding
- D. Measuring the external length of the tube
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Checking the pH of the aspirate is the most reliable method to confirm nasogastric tube placement as it provides direct evidence of the tube's location in the stomach. When the pH is acidic (pH < 5), it indicates that the tube is correctly placed in the stomach. Auscultating over the stomach while injecting air may not always be accurate, as the sound can be misleading due to various factors. Observing the patient's response during feeding is not a definitive method for confirming tube placement, as it can be influenced by other factors. Measuring the external length of the tube does not ensure correct placement within the GI tract and can be affected by external factors like patient anatomy.
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Which of the following best describes the role of insulin in the body?
- A. Insulin helps break down glucose into energy for the body
- B. Insulin facilitates the movement of glucose into cells
- C. Insulin converts excess glucose into fat for storage
- D. Insulin increases the breakdown of protein into amino acids
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Insulin facilitates the movement of glucose into cells. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into cells, where it can be used for energy production. Choice A is incorrect because insulin doesn't break down glucose but rather helps cells take up glucose. Choice C is incorrect as insulin does not directly convert glucose into fat; excess glucose is stored as fat by other processes. Choice D is incorrect as insulin does not increase the breakdown of protein into amino acids; its primary role is in glucose metabolism.
A client post-thyroidectomy is being monitored for signs of hypocalcemia. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse be most concerned about?
- A. Tingling in the hands and around the mouth.
- B. Nausea and vomiting.
- C. Constipation.
- D. Bradycardia.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tingling in the hands and around the mouth. This symptom is a classic sign of hypocalcemia, which can occur after thyroidectomy if the parathyroid glands were inadvertently damaged during surgery. Nausea and vomiting (Choice B) are not specific to hypocalcemia. Constipation (Choice C) is not a typical symptom of hypocalcemia. Bradycardia (Choice D) is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism rather than hypocalcemia.
When a woman in early pregnancy is leaving the clinic, she blushes and asks the nurse if it is true that sex during pregnancy is bad for the baby. What is the best response for the nurse to give?
- A. The baby is protected by the sac. Sex is perfectly alright.
- B. It is unlikely to harm the baby. What you do with your personal life is your concern.
- C. Intercourse during pregnancy is usually alright, but you need to ask the doctor if it is acceptable for you.
- D. In a normal pregnancy, intercourse will not harm the baby. However, many women experience a change in desire. How are you feeling?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choice D is the best response as it reassures the patient that intercourse in a normal pregnancy will not harm the baby. It also shows empathy by acknowledging that many women experience changes in sexual desire during pregnancy. This response validates the patient's concerns and opens up a dialogue about her feelings. Choice A is incorrect as it lacks information about changes in sexual desire and oversimplifies the situation. Choice B is dismissive of the patient's concerns and does not provide adequate information. Choice C is not the best response as it suggests asking the doctor without offering immediate reassurance or addressing the patient's worries.
A client who is receiving chemotherapy has developed stomatitis. Which instruction should the nurse provide the UAP who is assisting with the care of this client?
- A. Keep the room environment free of unpleasant odors
- B. Gather supplies for protective environmental precautions
- C. Assist the client with feeding at meal times
- D. Provide gentle and meticulous mouth care
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Providing gentle and meticulous mouth care is critical for a client with stomatitis as it helps prevent further irritation and infection of the mucous membranes. Keeping the room environment free of unpleasant odors (Choice A) is important for the client's comfort but not directly related to managing stomatitis. Gathering supplies for protective environmental precautions (Choice B) is not relevant to addressing stomatitis. Assisting the client with feeding at meal times (Choice C) is important for overall care but does not specifically target the care needed for stomatitis.
The nurse enters a male client's room to administer routine morning medications, and the client is on the phone. Which action is best for the nurse to take?
- A. Ask another nurse to return with the medication when the client has hung up the phone
- B. Wait for the client to excuse himself from the telephone conversation, and observe the client taking the medication
- C. Return the medication to the client's drawer on the cart and document that the client refused the dose
- D. Leave the medication with the client and let him take it when he finishes the conversation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The best action for the nurse to take in this situation is to wait for the client to excuse himself from the telephone conversation and then observe the client taking the medication. This approach ensures that the client takes the medication as prescribed, promoting compliance and safety. Choice A is not ideal as it involves unnecessary delegation and may lead to confusion. Choice C is incorrect because assuming refusal without direct communication can compromise patient care. Choice D is not recommended as leaving the medication with the client unsupervised may result in non-compliance or potential errors.