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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Contraction of the left pupil when light shines in the right eye is a normal consensual pupillary response and does not need to be documented in charting by exception. This finding is within normal limits and does not indicate any deviation from the expected outcome.
Choice B rationale
Basilar lung sounds that are diminished in the left lung should be documented because this finding deviates from the normal lung sounds and indicates a potential issue that needs further investigation. Charting by exception focuses on documenting abnormalities or deviations from the norm.
Choice C rationale
Active bowel sounds in the lower right quadrant are a normal finding and do not need to be documented in charting by exception. This assessment is within normal limits and does not indicate any deviation from the expected outcome.
Choice D rationale
Capillary refill of 2 seconds in the lower right foot is a normal finding and does not need to be documented in charting by exception. This assessment is within normal limits and does not indicate any deviation from the expected outcome.
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.