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
Determining the elasticity of the client’s skin turgor is not directly related to nasopharyngeal suctioning. Skin turgor assessment is typically used to evaluate hydration status and does not provide information about the respiratory status or the need for suctioning.
Choice B rationale
Auscultating the bowel sounds in all four quadrants is unrelated to nasopharyngeal suctioning. Bowel sounds assessment is important for gastrointestinal evaluation but does not help in assessing the respiratory status or the effectiveness of suctioning.
Choice C rationale
Palpating the client’s pedal pulse volume bilaterally is not relevant to nasopharyngeal suctioning. This assessment is used to evaluate peripheral circulation and does not provide information about the respiratory status or the need for suctioning.
Choice D rationale
Observing the client’s skin and mucous membranes is crucial during nasopharyngeal suctioning. This assessment helps determine the client’s oxygenation status and the presence of cyanosis, which can indicate hypoxia. It also helps in identifying any trauma or irritation caused by the suctioning procedure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Providing client-focused information is essential, but it does not confirm that the client has understood the critical information. It is a part of the teaching process but not a confirmation strategy.
Choice B rationale
Reinforcing key points with the client helps emphasize important information but does not ensure that the client has learned and understood it. It is a supportive strategy rather than a confirmation method.
Choice C rationale
Observing the client’s body language can provide clues about their understanding and comfort level but is not a definitive way to confirm learning. It should be used in conjunction with other strategies.
Choice D rationale
Asking the client for learning feedback is the most effective strategy for confirming that the client has understood the critical information. It encourages active participation and allows for real-time clarification.