A nurse is planning care for a client who has a decreased level of consciousness. The client is receiving continuous enteral feedings via a gastrostomy tube due to an inability to swallow. Which of the following is the priority action by the nurse?
Check residual volume every 4 to 6 hr.
Observe client's respiratory status.
Elevate the head of the client's bed 30° to 45°.
Monitor intake and output every 8 hr.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Checking residual volume is important for assessing tolerance to feedings, but it is not the priority action to prevent complications related to decreased consciousness.
B. Observing the client’s respiratory status is crucial but not the priority action related to enteral feedings.
C. Elevating the head of the client's bed 30° to 45° is the priority action, as it reduces the risk of aspiration during enteral feeding, which is a significant concern for clients with decreased consciousness.
D. Monitoring intake and output is important for overall assessment but is not the immediate priority in this context.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Proceeding to measure the oral temperature immediately after the client has consumed ice chips can lead to an inaccurate reading due to the cooling effect of the ice.
B. Documenting that the nurse was unable to measure the client's temperature is unnecessary; it is possible to obtain an accurate measurement after a suitable waiting period.
C. Providing a sip of warm water will not resolve the issue of the ice chips affecting the temperature reading, as the nurse should still wait a longer period for accuracy.
D. Waiting 30 minutes after the client has consumed ice chips is the best practice, as it allows sufficient time for the oral cavity to return to a baseline temperature for an accurate measurement.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Dehydration is a common finding in clients who have experienced diarrhea for several days, as they may have lost significant fluid and electrolytes.
B. A rigid abdomen is more characteristic of conditions such as perforation or severe peritonitis rather than diarrhea.
C. Decreased bowel sounds may occur in certain conditions, but diarrhea typically presents with increased bowel sounds due to hyperactivity.
D. Hypothermia is not a common finding associated with diarrhea; instead, clients may have a normal or elevated temperature due to potential underlying infections.