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. The student nurse is preparing a teaching care plan to help improve nutrition in a patient with achalasia. You include which of the following:

• A. Swallow foods while leaning forward.
• B. Omit fluids at mealtimes.
• C. Eat meals sitting upright.
• D. Avoid soft and semisoft foods.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Eating meals while sitting upright helps improve swallowing and prevent complications in patients with achalasia.

3. After a subtotal gastrectomy, care of the client’s nasogastric tube and drainage system should include which of the following nursing interventions?

• A. Irrigate the tube with 30 ml of sterile water every hour, if needed.
• B. Reposition the tube if it is not draining well
• C. Monitor the client for N/V, and abdominal distention
• D. Turn the machine to high suction of the drainage is sluggish on low suction.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring the client for nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention is crucial for ensuring proper functioning of the nasogastric tube and drainage system.

4. A patient with chronic alcohol abuse is admitted with liver failure. You closely monitor the patient’s blood pressure because of which change that is associated with the liver failure?

• A. Hypoalbuminemia
• B. Increased capillary permeability
• C. Abnormal peripheral vasodilation
• D. Excess rennin release from the kidneys

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Abnormal peripheral vasodilation is a change associated with liver failure that requires close monitoring of the patient's blood pressure.

5. Which of the following tests can be used to diagnose ulcers?

• A. Abdominal x-ray
• B. Barium swallow
• C. Computed tomography (CT) scan
• D. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic test that involves visualizing the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to diagnose ulcers.

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