Nursing Elites

1. What action should the nurse take to prevent aspiration in a client receiving enteral nutrition?

• A. Flush the feeding tube with water before and after feedings.
• B. Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees during feedings.
• C. Administer the feeding slowly.
• D. Check the client's weight daily.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees during feedings is essential to prevent aspiration in clients receiving enteral nutrition. This positioning helps decrease the risk of regurgitation and aspiration by supporting proper digestion and aiding food passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Elevating the head of the bed is a standard precautionary measure recommended to reduce the chances of aspiration and should be consistently implemented during feedings to ensure client safety and optimal enteral nutrition delivery.

2. A client is receiving enteral feedings through an NG tube. Which of the following actions should be taken to prevent aspiration?

• A. Monitor gastric residuals every 4 hours.
• B. Position the client in a semi-Fowler's position.
• C. Check for tube placement by auscultating air after feeding.
• D. Warm the formula to body temperature before feeding.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring gastric residuals every 4 hours is essential to assess the stomach's ability to empty properly, reducing the risk of aspiration. It helps in determining if the feedings are being tolerated by the client and if adjustments are needed in the feeding regimen. Positioning the client in a semi-Fowler's position helps prevent reflux and aspiration by promoting proper digestion and emptying of the stomach contents. Checking for tube placement by auscultating air after feeding confirms correct tube placement in the stomach. Warming the formula to body temperature before feeding enhances client comfort but does not directly prevent aspiration. Therefore, the correct answer is to monitor gastric residuals to prevent aspiration, as it directly assesses the stomach's ability to empty properly and the tolerance of the feedings.

3. When should discharge planning begin for a client admitted to a long-term care facility for rehabilitation after a total hip arthroplasty?

• A. One week prior to the client's discharge
• B. Upon the client's admission to the care facility
• C. Once the discharge date is identified
• D. When the client addresses the topic with the nurse

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Discharge planning should begin upon the client's admission to the care facility. This early start allows the healthcare team to conduct assessments, set goals, and coordinate services for a smooth transition back home or to the community. Initiating discharge planning early ensures timely arrangements, leading to optimal outcomes and continuity of care. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because waiting until one week before discharge, after the discharge date is identified, or until the client brings up the topic may lead to rushed decision-making, inadequate arrangements, and a less effective transition process.

4. A client with dysphagia and at risk for aspiration needs care planning. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan?

• A. Encourage the client to drink thickened liquids.
• B. Instruct the client to swallow with chin tucked.
• C. Provide the client with a cup with a lid.
• D. Place the client in Fowler's position for meals.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Placing the client in Fowler's position is crucial in preventing aspiration as it helps maintain an open airway and reduces the risk of food or liquid entering the lungs during swallowing. This position promotes safer swallowing and minimizes the chances of aspiration pneumonia. Choices A, B, and C are less effective interventions for preventing aspiration. Encouraging the client to drink thickened liquids may help, but the position is more critical. Instructing the client to swallow with chin tucked is beneficial for some individuals but not as effective as positioning. Providing a cup with a lid does not directly address the risk of aspiration associated with dysphagia.

5. A client has a prescription for a clear liquid diet. Which of the following foods should the nurse offer?

• A. Milk
• B. Vegetable juice
• C. Chicken broth
• D. Orange juice with pulp

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A clear liquid diet consists of easily digestible transparent liquids. Chicken broth is an appropriate choice as it meets the criteria of being clear and liquid, making it suitable for a clear liquid diet. Milk, vegetable juice, and orange juice with pulp are not considered clear liquids. Milk is not transparent, vegetable juice is not clear, and orange juice with pulp contains solid particles, all of which do not align with the requirements of a clear liquid diet.

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