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
Inserting a rectal tube at specified intervals is not a standard practice for bowel training regimens. This intervention is typically reserved for specific medical conditions and is not recommended for routine management of chronic fecal incontinence.
Choice B rationale
Assisting the client to a bedside commode 30 minutes after meals leverages the natural gastrocolic reflex, which stimulates bowel movements after eating. This intervention helps establish a regular bowel routine and is a key component of bowel retraining programs.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the use of incontinence briefs does not address the underlying issue of bowel incontinence and may not help in establishing a regular bowel routine. This intervention is more focused on managing the symptoms rather than treating the condition.
Choice D rationale
Administering a glycerin suppository 15 minutes after meals can stimulate bowel movements, but it is not the first-line intervention for establishing a bowel training regimen. This approach may be used as an adjunct to other bowel retraining techniques.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Giving the client a hug and saying, “It is okay to cry when you are sad,” may be comforting, but it may also be seen as intrusive and not respecting the client’s personal space. Physical touch should be used cautiously and only when the nurse is certain that it is welcome and appropriate. Additionally, this response does not encourage the client to express their feelings or provide an opportunity for the nurse to understand the underlying cause of the client’s distress.
Choice B rationale
Saying, “I am sorry to disturb you at a difficult time. This can wait until later,” acknowledges the client’s distress but does not offer immediate support or an opportunity for the client to express their feelings. It may also give the impression that the nurse is not available to provide emotional support when needed.
Choice C rationale
While touching the client’s forearm, asking, “Would you like to talk about it?” is the best response as it shows empathy and offers the client an opportunity to express their feelings. This response respects the client’s personal space while also providing a gentle touch that can be comforting. It opens the door for communication and allows the nurse to provide emotional support and address any concerns the client may have.
Choice D rationale
Saying, “This is a bad time. I can see you are upset. I can come back later,” acknowledges the client’s distress but does not offer immediate support or an opportunity for the client to express their feelings. It may also give the impression that the nurse is not available to provide emotional support when needed.