Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following techniques would the nurse use first to determine if a nasogastric tube is positioned in the stomach?

• A. Aspirating with a syringe and observing for the return of gastric contents.
• B. Irrigating with normal saline and observing for the return of solution.
• C. Placing the tube's free end in water and observing for air bubbles.
• D. Instilling air and auscultating over the epigastric area for the presence of the tube.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The initial way to determine if a nasogastric tube is in the stomach is to apply suction to the tube with a syringe and observe for the return of stomach contents. Then the pH of the aspirate can be measured. This is the method of choice. One would not irrigate until tube placement is confirmed. Observing for air bubbles when the free end of the tube is placed under water is an unacceptable, unsafe method of determining tube placement. Another method is to instill air into the tube with a syringe while auscultating over the epigastric area. Hearing the air enter the stomach helps ensure proper placement, but the method is not foolproof and is no longer considered an effective or preferred way to determine placement.

2. Your teaching Anthony how to use his new colostomy. How much skin should remain exposed between the stoma and the ring of the appliance?

• A. 1/16”
• B. 1/4″
• C. 1/2”
• D. 1”

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When teaching a patient how to use a colostomy, only 1/16” of skin should remain exposed between the stoma and the ring of the appliance to prevent skin irritation.

3. Ralph has a history of alcohol abuse and has acute pancreatitis. Which lab value is most likely to be elevated?

• A. Calcium
• B. Glucose
• C. Magnesium
• D. Potassium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a patient with acute pancreatitis and a history of alcohol abuse, glucose levels are most likely to be elevated.

4. A client with gastric cancer may exhibit which of the following symptoms?

• A. Abdominal cramping
• B. Constant hunger
• C. Feeling of fullness
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Clients with gastric cancer may experience a feeling of fullness due to the presence of the tumor.

5. A client is suspected of having hepatitis. Which diagnostic test results will assist in confirming this diagnosis?

• A. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• B. Elevated serum bilirubin
• C. Elevated hemoglobin
• D. Elevated blood urea nitrogen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Laboratory indicators of hepatitis include elevated liver enzyme levels, elevated serum bilirubin levels, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates, and leucopenia. An elevated blood urea nitrogen may indicate renal dysfunction. A hemoglobin level is unrelated to this diagnosis.

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