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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A urine specific gravity of 1.015 is within the normal range and does not indicate dehydration. Dehydration typically results in a higher urine specific gravity due to the concentration of solutes in the urine.
Choice B rationale
A urine specific gravity of 1.005 is lower than normal and indicates dilute urine, which is not consistent with dehydration. Dehydration would result in more concentrated urine with a higher specific gravity.
Choice C rationale
A urine specific gravity of 1.035 indicates highly concentrated urine, which is consistent with dehydration. When a client has a history of vomiting and diarrhea, they are likely to be dehydrated, leading to a higher urine specific gravity.
Choice D rationale
A urine specific gravity of 1.025 is slightly higher than normal but not as high as 1.035. While it may indicate some level of concentration, it is not as indicative of severe dehydration as a specific gravity of 1.035.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reporting the client’s status to the healthcare provider is the appropriate action. The healthcare provider needs to be informed of the client’s death to provide further instructions and complete necessary documentation. This action ensures proper communication and adherence to protocols.
Choice B rationale
Asking the UAP to complete postmortem care is necessary, but it should be done after notifying the healthcare provider. The nurse must follow the proper sequence of actions to ensure all protocols are followed.
Choice C rationale
Beginning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and calling a code is not appropriate because the client has a signed do not resuscitate (DNR) form. Performing CPR would go against the client’s wishes and legal documentation.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the family of the client’s death is important, but it should be done after reporting the client’s status to the healthcare provider. The healthcare provider may have specific instructions for communicating with the family and completing necessary documentation.