Nursing Elites

1. The nurse has inserted a nasogastric tube to the level of the oropharynx and has repositioned the client’s head in a flexed-forward position. The client has been asked to begin swallowing. The nurse starts slowly to advance the nasogastric tube with each swallow. The client begins to cough, gag, and choke. Which nursing action would least likely result in proper tube insertion and promote client relaxation?

• A. Continuing to advance the tube to the desired distance
• B. Pulling the tube back slightly
• C. Checking the back of the pharynx using a tongue blade and flashlight.
• D. Instructing the client to breathe slowly and take sips of water.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: As the nasogastric tube is passed through the oropharynx, the gag reflex is stimulated, which may cause coughing, gagging, or choking. Instead of passing through to the esophagus, the nasogastric tube may coil around itself in the oropharynx, or it may enter the larynx and obstruct the airway, pulling the tube back slightly will remove it from the larynx; advancing the tube might position it in the trachea. Swallowing closes the epiglottis over the trachea and helps move the tube into the esophagus. Slow breathing helps the client relax to reduce the gag response. The nurse should check the back of the client’s throat to note if the tube has coiled. The tube may be advanced after the client relaxes.

2. The nurse is doing pre-op teaching with the client who is about to undergo creation of a Kock pouch. The nurse interprets that the client has the best understanding of the nature of the surgery if the client makes which of the following statements?

• A. I will need to drain the pouch regularly with a catheter.
• B. I will need to wear a drainage bag for the rest of my life.
• C. The drainage from this type of ostomy will be formed.
• D. I will be able to pass stool from my rectum eventually.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A Kock pouch is a type of continent ileostomy that requires catheterization to empty the internal reservoir. Understanding the need for regular catheterization indicates the client comprehends the procedure.

3. Which of the following symptoms indicates diverticulosis?

• A. No symptoms exist
• B. Change in bowel habits
• C. Anorexia with low-grade fever
• D. Episodic, dull, or steady midabdominal pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Diverticulosis often has no symptoms and is usually found incidentally during tests for other conditions.

4. During an abdominal assessment, a nurse finds pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis on a client. What finding should be reported to the physician?

• A. Concave, midline umbilicus
• B. Pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis
• C. Bowel sound frequency of 15 sounds per minute
• D. Absence of a bruit

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The presence of pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis could indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is a serious condition and should be reported to the physician promptly. A concave, midline umbilicus is a normal finding. Bowel sound frequency can vary widely and is not a cause for concern at 15 sounds per minute. Absence of a bruit is a normal finding in an abdominal assessment and does not require reporting.

5. You’re discharging Nathaniel with hepatitis B. Which statement suggests understanding by the patient?

• A. Now I can never get hepatitis again.
• B. I can safely give blood after 3 months.
• C. I’ll never have a problem with my liver again, even if I drink alcohol.
• D. My family knows that if I get tired and start vomiting, I may be getting sick again.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Understanding that family needs to be aware of symptoms that may indicate a recurrence of hepatitis B shows proper understanding by the patient.

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