how should a nurse care for a patient with a nasogastric ng tube

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020

1. How should a healthcare provider care for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube?

A. Check tube placement and assess for signs of aspiration
B. Flush the tube with water regularly to maintain patency
C. Monitor for bowel sounds and administer medications
D. Administer medications through the tube

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube, it is crucial to check the tube placement and assess for signs of aspiration. This ensures that the tube is correctly positioned and that the patient is not at risk of complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Choice B is incorrect as flushing the tube with water regularly is not a standard practice and may not be appropriate for all patients. Choice C is incorrect as monitoring for bowel sounds is not directly related to NG tube care, and administering medications is not the primary focus of caring for the tube itself. Choice D is incorrect because administering medications through the NG tube is a specific action that may be taken based on a healthcare provider's order, not a general care guideline for the NG tube.

2. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with chest pain?

A. Assess the severity of pain and monitor ECG
B. Administer nitroglycerin and provide oxygen
C. Administer aspirin and provide pain relief
D. Monitor for nausea and administer IV fluids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a patient with chest pain, the initial step is to assess the severity of pain and monitor the electrocardiogram (ECG) to look for signs of cardiac issues. Administering nitroglycerin and oxygen (Choice B) is a treatment option for suspected cardiac chest pain but should not precede a thorough assessment. Administering aspirin and providing pain relief (Choice C) may be indicated later, but the priority is to assess the situation first. Monitoring for nausea and administering IV fluids (Choice D) is not the initial assessment for chest pain unless there are specific indications present.

3. How should a healthcare provider manage a patient with hypertensive crisis?

A. Administer antihypertensive medications and monitor blood pressure
B. Provide a high-sodium diet and fluid restriction
C. Administer diuretics and provide oxygen therapy
D. Provide IV fluids and monitor for kidney failure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a hypertensive crisis, the immediate goal is to lower blood pressure to prevent organ damage. Administering antihypertensive medications helps achieve this goal efficiently. Monitoring blood pressure is essential to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust medication as needed. Providing a high-sodium diet and fluid restriction (Choice B) can exacerbate hypertension by increasing blood pressure. Diuretics and oxygen therapy (Choice C) are not the first-line treatment for hypertensive crisis, as the priority is rapid blood pressure reduction. Providing IV fluids and monitoring for kidney failure (Choice D) are not primary interventions for managing hypertensive crisis; the focus is on blood pressure control and organ protection.

4. A nurse manager is updating protocols for belt restraints. Which of the following guidelines should the nurse include?

A. Document the client's condition every 15 minutes.
B. Attach the restraints to a non-moving part of the bed.
C. Avoid requesting a PRN restraint prescription for clients who are aggressive.
D. Remove the client's restraints based on the client's condition.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Document the client's condition every 15 minutes. When using belt restraints, it is crucial to document the client's condition regularly to ensure their safety and well-being. This guideline allows for ongoing assessment of the client's need for restraints and any potential adverse effects. Choice B is incorrect as restraints should not be attached to the bed frame but to a non-moving part of the bed to prevent harm in case of bed movement. Choice C is incorrect as PRN (as needed) restraint prescription should not be a routine practice and should only be considered after other interventions have been attempted. Choice D is incorrect as restraints should be removed and reevaluated based on the client's condition, not solely on a fixed time schedule.

5. What are the nursing interventions for a patient experiencing hypoglycemia?

A. Administer glucose or dextrose and monitor blood sugar levels
B. Monitor vital signs and provide a high-carbohydrate snack
C. Monitor for sweating and confusion
D. Provide insulin and assess for hyperglycemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Administering glucose or dextrose is a crucial nursing intervention for a patient experiencing hypoglycemia as it helps to quickly raise blood sugar levels. Monitoring blood sugar levels is essential to ensure that the patient's glucose levels normalize. Choice B is incorrect because providing a high-carbohydrate snack may not be sufficient to rapidly raise blood sugar levels in severe hypoglycemia. Choice C is incorrect because while monitoring for sweating and confusion is important in hypoglycemia, it is not a direct nursing intervention. Choice D is incorrect as providing insulin would lower blood sugar levels further, worsening hypoglycemia.