a nurse is preparing to administer an enteral feeding through a gastrostomy tube before administering the feeding the nurse aspirates some stomach con

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Exam Prep

1. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer an enteral feeding through a gastrostomy tube. Before administering the feeding, the healthcare professional aspirates some stomach contents and checks the pH. The result is 3.9. What is the next action of the healthcare professional?

A. Administer the feeding as ordered
B. Pull the feeding tube out approximately 3 cm
C. Flush the feeding tube with 60 cc of water
D. Contact the physician

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the pH of the aspirated stomach contents is 4 or less, it indicates that the gastrostomy tube is in the stomach, confirming correct placement. A pH of 3.9 falls within this range, so the healthcare professional can proceed with administering the enteral feeding. There is no need to adjust the tube placement, flush with water, or contact the physician in this situation as the tube is appropriately positioned for feeding.

2. A patient suffering from hyperglycemia would be experiencing:

A. Low blood sugar
B. High blood sugar
C. Normal blood sugar
D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hyperglycemia is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. In this state, there is an excess of glucose in the bloodstream. Patients with hyperglycemia are often diagnosed with diabetes. The term 'hyperglycemia' specifically refers to elevated blood sugar levels. Therefore, the correct answer is 'High blood sugar.' Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because hyperglycemia indicates elevated blood sugar levels and not low or normal levels.

3. What technique would the nurse use to accurately assess a rectal temperature in an adult?

A. Use a lubricated blunt tip thermometer.
B. Insert the thermometer 2 to 3 inches into the rectum.
C. Leave the thermometer in place for up to 8 minutes if the patient is febrile.
D. Wait 2 to 3 minutes if the patient has recently smoked a cigarette.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To accurately assess a rectal temperature in an adult, a nurse should use a lubricated rectal thermometer with a short, blunt tip. The thermometer is inserted only 2 to 3 cm (1 inch) into the rectum and left in place for 2 minutes. Choice B is incorrect as inserting the thermometer 2 to 3 inches would be too deep and inaccurate. Choice C is incorrect as leaving the thermometer in place for up to 8 minutes is unnecessary and can cause discomfort. Choice D is incorrect as smoking a cigarette does not impact rectal temperatures.

4. Over a patient's lifespan, how does the pulse rate change?

A. starts out fast and decreases as the patient ages.
B. starts out slower and increases as the patient ages.
C. varies from slow to fast throughout the lifespan.
D. stays consistent from birth to death.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is that the pulse rate starts out fast and decreases as the patient ages. In infants, the normal pulse rate is around 140 beats per minute, which then falls to an average of 80 beats per minute in adults. As individuals age, their pulse rate tends to decrease due to changes in cardiovascular function. Choice B is incorrect as the pulse rate typically decreases with age, rather than increases. Choice C is incorrect as there is a general trend of decreasing pulse rate as individuals age, rather than a continuous variation. Choice D is incorrect as the pulse rate does change over a patient's lifespan, starting fast in infants and decreasing as they age.

5. During the examination, it is often appropriate to offer some brief teaching about the patient's body or the examiner's findings. Which one of these statements by the nurse is most appropriate?

A. "Your atrial dysrhythmias are under control."?
B. "You have pitting edema and mild varicosities."?
C. "Your pulse is 80 beats per minute, which is within the normal range."?
D. "I'm using my stethoscope to listen for any crackles, wheezes, or rubs in your lungs."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During an examination, providing brief educational information to the patient can enhance rapport, as long as the patient can comprehend the terminology. The most appropriate statement from the nurse is "Your pulse is 80 beats per minute, which is within the normal range." This statement conveys a vital sign in a way that is likely understandable to the patient. Choices A, B, and D use terminology that may be unfamiliar or confusing to the patient. Option A mentions 'atrial dysrhythmias,' which might not be clear to the patient. Option B involves terms like 'pitting edema' and 'varicosities,' which could be unfamiliar to the patient. Option D references 'crackles,' 'wheezes,' and 'rubs,' which might not be easily understood by the patient.