Nursing Elites

1. When preparing to administer a medication through a nasogastric (NG) tube, what is the first action the nurse should take?

• A. Check the placement of the NG tube
• B. Flush the tube with saline
• C. Position the client in a semi-Fowler's position
• D. Administer the medication slowly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct first action when preparing to administer a medication through a nasogastric (NG) tube is to check the placement of the NG tube. This step is essential to ensure that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach and not in the lungs, preventing potential complications. Flushing the tube with saline may be required, but it should follow the verification of tube placement. Positioning the client in a semi-Fowler's position is necessary for comfort during the procedure but is not the initial step. Administering the medication can only be done safely after confirming the correct placement of the NG tube.

2. Before administering a scheduled dose of insulin to a 10-year-old child who is learning diabetic self-care, which information is most important for the PN to ask the child?

• A. How much exercise did the child have today?
• B. Did the child perform a finger stick?
• C. When did the child last urinate?
• D. Has the child eaten recently?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Did the child perform a finger stick?' Before administering insulin, it is crucial to check the child's blood glucose level to prevent hypoglycemia. Performing a finger stick blood glucose test provides essential information on the current blood sugar level. Choice A ('How much exercise did the child have today?') is not as critical as monitoring blood glucose levels directly. Choice C ('When did the child last urinate?') is not directly related to the immediate need for insulin administration. Choice D ('Has the child eaten recently?') is important but not as crucial as knowing the current blood glucose level.

3. A nurse is reviewing the basal body temperature method with a couple. Which of the following statements would indicate that the teaching has been successful?

• A. I don't need to buy a special type of thermometer.
• B. I need to wait 5 minutes after smoking a cigarette before I take my temperature.
• C. I need to take my temperature before I get out of bed in the morning.
• D. I need to take my temperature at least once every day.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Basal body temperature must be taken before getting out of bed in the morning to get an accurate reading, as even slight activity can raise body temperature and affect the results. Choice A is incorrect because a special type of thermometer is not required for basal body temperature measurement. Choice B is incorrect because smoking can affect body temperature, but the timing mentioned is not relevant to basal body temperature measurement. Choice D is incorrect because while it is essential to take the temperature consistently each day, the duration of temperature measurement is not specified, making this choice less specific compared to the correct answer.

4. 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.

5. You are teaching students about how hyperosmotic agents (osmotic diuretics) are used to treat intracranial pressure. Which of the following is NOT one of the functions of hyperosmotic agents?

• A. Reduces brain metabolism and systemic blood pressure
• B. Reduces cerebral edema
• C. Dehydrates the brain
• D. Draws fluids from extravascular spaces into the plasma

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hyperosmotic agents primarily work by reducing cerebral edema, dehydrating the brain, and drawing fluids from extravascular spaces into the plasma. However, they do not have a direct effect on reducing brain metabolism or systemic blood pressure. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B is correct as hyperosmotic agents do help in reducing cerebral edema. Choice C is accurate as hyperosmotic agents dehydrate the brain. Choice D is also true as these agents draw fluids from extravascular spaces into the plasma.

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