A patient with a nasogastric tube for enteral feedings was coughing. Which of the following should the nurse do prior to using the tube?
1. Reassess for tube placement.
2. Flush the tube with sterile water.
3. Provide a bolus feeding to assess for patient tolerance.
4. Place the head of the bed at a 10-degree angle.
Reassess for tube placement.
Rationale: Severe coughing can lead to nasal tube displacement. The tube placement should be reassessed before using. Nothing that could cause aspiration should be placed into the tube until placement has been ensured. The head of the bed should be placed at a 45-degree angle to reduce the risk of aspiration.
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A seven-year-old girl has been diagnosed with rheumatic fever. The physician has talked with the parents and child and explained the disease and the planned medical treatment. Which statement by the parents needs further clarification?
1. "I understand rheumatic fever is a strep infection of the heart." 2. "My child will be on bed rest for several weeks." 3. "My child will be treated with aspirin and/or corticosteroids." 4. "Once my child has recovered, she will still need to be monitored for sequelae to the disease."
The nurse is caring for a 34-year-old obstetric patient who has disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The nurse is aware that DIC is
a. an acquired hemorrhagic syndrome of clotting cascade overstimulation and anticlotting processes. b. a hereditary coagulation disorder in which factor VIII is absent. c. a deficiency of the number of circulating platelets with thrombocytopenia present. d. a malignant disorder characterized by painless, progressive enlargement of lymphoid tissue.
A client experiencing hot flashes from menopause wants to take an all-natural dietary supplement but wonders if the healthcare provider should be consulted first. What should the nurse respond to this client?
a. "Since the product is all natural it should be OK." b. "Natural products are only a problem when they aren't used as directed." c. "I wouldn't bother the healthcare provider with this when you can ask your pharmacist." d. "Even all-natural products can produce adverse side effects or be toxic, so use should always be discussed with your healthcare provider."
The nurse is taking a health history of an adolescent. Which best describes how the chief complaint should be determined?
a. Request a detailed listing of symptoms. b. Ask the adolescent, "Why did you come here today?" c. Interview the parent away from the adolescent to determine the chief complaint. d. Use what the adolescent says to determine, in correct medical terminology, what the problem is.