A hospitalized client who has an advance directive and healthcare power of attorney is receiving enteral nutrition through a nasogastric (NG) tube. The client vomits and appears to be choking. Which action should the nurse take?
Review the advanced directive document.
Irrigate the nasogastric tube with water.
Elevate the head of the bed 45 degrees.
Perform oropharyngeal suctioning.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Reviewing the advanced directive document is not an immediate action to address the client’s choking and vomiting. The priority is to clear the airway and prevent aspiration.
Choice B rationale
Irrigating the nasogastric tube with water is not appropriate in this situation as it may worsen the choking and does not address the immediate need to clear the airway.
Choice C rationale
Elevating the head of the bed 45 degrees helps to clear the airway and reduce the risk of aspiration by using gravity to keep the stomach contents down.
Choice D rationale
Performing oropharyngeal suctioning may stimulate gagging and vomiting, which can exacerbate the choking.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Lubricating the thermometer before inserting it into the ear is not a standard practice for using a tympanic thermometer. Tympanic thermometers are designed to be used without lubrication, and using lubrication could interfere with the accuracy of the reading.
Choice B rationale
Holding the thermometer in place for a full three minutes is unnecessary for tympanic thermometers. These thermometers provide quick readings, usually within a few seconds, and holding it for longer does not improve accuracy.
Choice C rationale
Pulling the client’s auricle down and back is the correct technique for infants and young children. For adults, the correct technique is to pull the auricle up and back to straighten the ear canal for an accurate reading.
Choice D rationale
Using positive reinforcement to affirm that the procedure is being performed correctly is the appropriate action. The UAP is using the correct technique by pulling the client’s auricle up and back, which is the proper method for adults.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reviewing the advanced directive document is not an immediate action to address the client’s choking and vomiting. The priority is to clear the airway and prevent aspiration.
Choice B rationale
Irrigating the nasogastric tube with water is not appropriate in this situation as it may worsen the choking and does not address the immediate need to clear the airway.
Choice C rationale
Elevating the head of the bed 45 degrees helps to clear the airway and reduce the risk of aspiration by using gravity to keep the stomach contents down.
Choice D rationale
Performing oropharyngeal suctioning may stimulate gagging and vomiting, which can exacerbate the choking.