A patient with head trauma is scheduled for a gastrostomy tube to be inserted. The spouse asks the nurse why an intravenous (IV) cannot be used. What is the nurse's best response?
a. "The gastrostomy tube will allow us to give medications as well as feedings."
b. "Research has shown that a gastrostomy tube is safer for patients and maintains function of the gut."
c. "It will be more expensive in the long run to use a gastrostomy tube than an IV."
d. "The gastrostomy placement is noninvasive, and the patient will be more content being fed through the stomach."
B
Research has demonstrated a beneficial effect of enteral nutrition over parenteral routes in patients with a functional GI tract. Therefore enteral feeding is preferred over parenteral nutrition (intravenous nutrition) because it improves use of nutrients, is generally safer for patients, maintains structure and function of the gut, decreases the risk for infection and sepsis, and is less expensive, not more expensive. Medications can also be given through an IV, so this does not answer the spouse's question. The gastrostomy placement is invasive as the tube is inserted directly into the stomach.
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A client's identical twin has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The client says, "I know this problem runs in families. What are the chances I will also develop it?" What is the nurse's best response?
1. "Your chance is the same as that of your nontwin siblings." 2. "Concordance figures put your risk at between 40% and 45%." 3. "Your risk is likely lower than that of your nontwin siblings." 4. "Genetics is not the only determining factor for the development of bipolar disorder."
A patient returns to the unit following a cardiac catheterization. Which nursing interventions are appropriate for this patient?
Select all that apply. 1. Assess cardiac rhythm and rate. 2. Assess patient for complaints of shortness of breath. 3. Maintain bed rest as ordered. 4. Assess pulses proximal to the insertion site. 5. Maintain fluid restriction.
Which of the following is a specific test for multiple sclerosis (MS)?
a. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) b. Computed tomography (CT) scan c. A lumbar puncture d. There is no specific test.
The nurse is teaching new parents how to dress their newborn. Which statements indicate that teaching has been effective?
1. "We should make sure that we keep our home air-conditioned so the baby doesn't overheat." 2. "It is important that we dry the baby off as soon as we give him a bath or shampoo his hair." 3. "When we change the baby's diaper, we should change any wet clothing or blankets, too." 4. "If the baby's body temperature gets too low, he will warm himself up without any shivering." 5. "Our baby will have a much faster rate of breathing if he is not dressed warmly enough."