44 & 45 GI

The nurse attempts to unclog a client's feeding tube. Attempts with warm water agitation and milking the tube are unsuccessful. The nurse uses evidence-based practice principles when subsequently using which technqiue to unclog the tube?

Digestive enzymes and sodium bicarbonate The nurse should attempt to unclog the tube with digestive enzymes activated with sodium bicarbonate. Although historically both cranberry juice and cola have sometimes been used to unclog feeding tubes, evidence has shown that their acidic nature worsens the clog by causing precipitation of proteins. Meat tenderize diluted with saline is not applicable.

The most common symptom of esophageal disease is

Dysphagia Dysphagia may vary from an uncomfortable feeling that a bolus of food is caught in the upper esophagus to acute pain upon swallowing. Nausea is the most common symptom of gastrointestinal problems in general. Vomiting is a nonspecific symptom that may have a variety of causes. Odynophagia refers specifically to acute pain upon swallowing.

Which of the following is one of the first clinical manifestations of esophageal cancer?

Increased difficulty swallowing The patient first becomes aware of intermittent and increasing difficulty in swallowing. As the tumor grows and the obstruction becomes nearly complete, even liquids cannot pass into the stomach. Other clinical manifestations may include sensation of a mass in the throat, foul breath, and hiccups.

The most significant complication related to continuous tube feedings is

Increased potential for aspiration Because the normal swallowing mechanism is bypassed, consideration of the danger of aspiration must be foremost in the mind of the nurse caring for the client receiving continuous tube feedings. Tube feedings preserve GI integrity by intraluminal delivery of nutrients. Tube feedings preserve the normal sequence of intestinal and hepatic metabolism. Tube feedings maintain fat metabolism and lipoprotein synthesis.

The nurse is managing a gastric (Salem) sump tube for a patient who has an intestinal obstruction and will be going to surgery. What interventions should the nurse perform to make sure the tube is functioning properly?

Keep the vent lumen above the patients to prevent gastric content reflux The blue vent lumen should be kept above the patient's waist to prevent reflux of gastric contents through it; otherwise, it acts as a siphon.

The health care provider orders the insertion of a single lumen nasogastric tube. When gathering the equipment for the insertion, what will the nurse select?

Levin tube A Levin tube is a single lumen nasogastric tube. A Salem sump tube is a double lumen nasogastric tube; a Sengsten-Blakemore tube is a triple lumen nasogastric tube. A Miller-Abbott tube is a double lumen nasoenteric tube.

Which of the following assessment findings would be most important for indicating dumping syndrome in a postgastrectomy client?

Weakness, diaphoresis, diarrhea 90 minutes after eating Dumping syndrome produces weakness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea from the rapid emptying of the chyme after eating. Elevated temperature and chills can be a significant finding for infection and should be reported. Constipation with rectal bleeding is not indicative of dumping syndrome.

The most common symptom of esophageal disease is

dysphagia This symptom may vary from an uncomfortable feeling that a bolus of food is caught in the upper esophagus to acute pain upon swallowing. Nausea is the most common symptom of gastrointestinal problems in general. Vomiting is a nonspecific symptom that may have a variety of causes. Odynophagia refers specifically to acute pain upon swallowing.

A patient has a gastric sump tube attached to low intermittent suction. The nurse empties the suction collection chamber and records an output of 320 mL for this 8-hour shift. The record shows that the tube had been irrigated with 20 mL of normal saline twice this shift. What would be the actual output of the gastric sump tube?

280mL The output measured includes the two 20 mL irrigations. To determine the actual output, the nurse would subtract the amount of irrigation used (in this case 40 mL total) from the total output (in this case 320 mL) and arrive at an output of 280 mL.

The nurse is inserting a nasogastric tube for a patient with pancreatitis. What intervention can the nurse provide to allow facilitation of the tube insertion?

Allow patient to sip water while the tube is being inserted During insertion, the patient usually sits upright with a towel or other protective barrier spread in a biblike fashion over the chest. The nostril may be swabbed or the oropharynx sprayed with an anesthetic agent to numb the nasal passage and suppress the gag reflex. The tip of the patient's nose is tilted upward, and the tube is aligned to enter the nostril. When the tube reaches the nasopharynx, the patient is instructed to lower the head slightly and, if able, to begin to swallow as the tube is advanced. The patient may also be encouraged to sip water through a straw to facilitate advancement of the tube if this action is not contraindicated.

The nurse is creating a plan of care for a client who is not able to tolerate brushing his teeth. The nurse includes which mouth irrigation in the plan of care?

Baking soda and water When a client is unable to tolerate teeth brushing, the following irrigating solutions are recommended: 1 tsp baking soda in 8 oz warm water, half-strength hydrogen peroxide, or normal saline solution.

A nurse is caring for a client receiving parenteral nutrition at home. The client was discharged from the acute care facility 4 days ago. What would the nurse include in the client's plan of care? Select all that apply.

Daily weights Intake and output monitoring Calorie counts for oral nutrients For the client receiving parenteral nutrition at home, the nurse would obtain daily weights initially, decreasing them to two to three times per week once the client is stable. Intake and output monitoring also is necessary to evaluate fluid status. Calorie counts of oral nutrients are used to provide additional information about the client's nutritional status. Transparent dressings are changed weekly. Activity is encouraged based on the client's ability to maintain muscle tone. Strict bedrest is not appropriate.

To ensure patency of central venous line ports, diluted heparin flushes are used

Daily when not in use Daily instillation of dilute heparin flush when a port is not in use will maintain the port. Continuous infusion maintains the patency of each port. Heparin flushes are used after each intermittent infusion. Heparin flushes are used after blood drawing to prevent clotting of blood within the port. Heparin flush of ports is not necessary if a line is to be discontinued.

An elderly client seeks medical attention for a vague complaint of difficulty swallowing. Which of the following assessment findings is most significant as related to this symptom?

Esophageal tumor Esophageal tumor is most significant and can result in advancing cancer. Esophageal cancer is a serious condition that presents with a symptom of difficulty swallowing as the tumor grows. Hiatal hernia, gastritis, and GERD can lead to serious associated complications but less likely to be as significant as esophageal tumor/cancer.

The client is on a continuous tube feeding. The nurse determines the tube placement should be checked every

Every shift Each nurse caring for the client is responsible for verifying that the tube is located in the proper area for continuous feeding. Checking for placement each hour is unnecessary unless the client is extremely restless or there is basis for rechecking the tube due to other client activities. Checking for placement every 12 or 24 hours does not meet the standard of care for the client receiving continuous tube feedings.

A nurse suspects that a patient is developing rebound hypoglycemia secondary to parenteral nutrition being discontinued too rapidly. Which of the following would support the nurse's suspicions? Select all that apply.

Shakiness Tachycardia Weakness Confusion Signs and symptoms of rebound hypoglycemia include weakness, faintness, sweating, shakiness, feeling cold, confusion, and increased heart rate.

An elderly patient is diagnosed with parotitis. The nurse is aware that this bacterial infection is most likely caused by:

Staff aureus The elderly and debilitated experience decreased salivary flow from general dehydration or medications. The bacterial infection is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The infecting organism travels from the mouth through the salivary gland.

A client has a new order for metoclorpramide (Reglan). The nurse knows that this medication should not be used long term and only in cases where all other options have been exhausted. This is because this medication has the potential for extrapyramidal side effects. Extrapyramidal side effects include which of the following?

Uncontrolled rhythmic movements of the face or limbs Metoclorpramide is a prokinetic agent that accelerates gastric emptying. Because metoclopramide can have extrapyramidal side effects that are increased in certain neuromuscular disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, it should be used only if no other option exists, and the client should be monitored closely. It is contraindicated with hemorrhage or perforation. It is not used to treat gastritis.

The nurse is inserting a nasoenteric tube for a patient with a paralytic ileus. How long does the nurse anticipate the tube will be required? (Select all that apply.)

Until bowel sound is present Until flatus is passed Until peristalsis is resumed Before removing an enteral tube, the nurse may intermittently clamp it for a trial period of several hours to ensure that the patient does not experience nausea, vomiting, or distention. Before any tube is removed, it is flushed with 10 mL of water or normal saline to ensure that it is free of debris and away from the gastric lining. Gloves are worn when removing the tube. The tube is withdrawn gently and slowly for 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) until the tip reaches the esophagus; the remainder is withdrawn rapidly from the nostril. If the tube does not come out easily, force should not be used, and the problem should be reported to the primary provider. As the tube is withdrawn, it is concealed in a towel to prevent secretions from soiling the patient or nurse. After the tube is removed, the nurse provides oral hygiene.

A patient is receiving continuous tube feedings via a small bore feeding tube. The nurse irrigates the tube after administering medication to maintain patency. Which size syringe would the nurse use?

30mL syringe When small-bore feeding tubes for continuous tube feedings are used and irrigated after administration of medications, a 30-mL or larger syringe is necessary, because the pressure generated by smaller syringes could rupture the tube.

A nurse caring for a client who has had radical neck surgery notices an abnormal amount of serosanguineous secretions in the wound suction unit during the first postoperative day. What is an expected, normal amount of drainage?

80-120ml Between 80 to 120 mL may drain over the first 24 hours. Drainage of greater than 120 mL may be indicative of a chyle fistula or hemorrhage.

A client has been taking a 10-day course of antibiotics for pneumonia. The client has been having white patches that look like milk curds in the mouth. What treatment will the nurse educate the client about?

Nystatin Candidiasis is a fungal infection that results in a cheesy white plaque in the mouth that looks like milk curds. It commonly occurs in antibiotic therapy. Antifungal medications such as nystatin (Mycostatin), amphotericin B, clotrimazole, or ketoconazole may be prescribed.

The client is postoperative following a graft reconstruction of the neck. It is most important for the nurse to

Assess the graft for color and temperature The nurse may do all these activities related to the neck wound and dressing. Airway, breathing, circulation (ABCs) take priority. Assessing the graft for color and temperature addresses circulation.

A client is receiving a parenteral nutrition admixture that contains carbohydrates, electrolytes, vitamins, trace minerals, and sterile water and is now scheduled to receive an intravenous fat emulsion (Intralipid). What is the best action by the nurse?

Attaches the fat emulsion tubing to a Y connector close to the infusion site An intravenous fat emulsion is attached to a Y connector close to the infusion site. The fat emulsion is administered simultaneously with the parenteral nutrition admixture. A separate peripheral IV site is not necessary. The fat emulsion is not administered through a filter.

The nurse teaches the client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which measure to manage the disease?

Avoid eating or drinking 2 hours before bed The client should not recline with a full stomach. The client should be instructed to avoid caffeine, beer, milk, and foods containing peppermint or spearmint, and to eat a low-fat diet. The client should be instructed to elevate the head of the bed on 6- to 8-inch blocks.

Postoperatively, a client with a radical neck dissection should be placed in which position?

Fowler The client should be placed in the Fowler position to facilitate breathing and promote comfort. This position also promotes expansion of the lungs because the diaphragm is pulled downward and the abdominal viscera are pulled away from the lungs. The other positions are not the position of choice postoperatively.

The nurse is inserting a Levin tube for a patient for gastric decompression. The tube should be inserted to 6 to 10 cm beyond what length?

From the nose to the earlobe to the xiphoid process Before inserting the tube, the nurse determines the length that will be needed to reach the stomach or the small intestine. A mark is made on the tube to indicate the desired length. This length is traditionally determined by (1) measuring the distance from the tip of the nose to the earlobe and from the earlobe to the xiphoid process, and (2) adding up to 15 cm (6 in) for NG placement or at least 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) or more for intestinal placement.

A patient describes a burning sensation in the esophagus, pain when swallowing, and frequent indigestion. What does the nurse suspect that these clinical manifestations indicate?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease Symptoms may include pyrosis (burning sensation in the esophagus), dyspepsia (indigestion), regurgitation, dysphagia or odynophagia (pain on swallowing), hypersalivation, and esophagitis.

Gastrostomy feedings are preferred to nasogastric feedings in the comatose patient, because the:

Gastroesophageal sphincter is intact, lessening the possibility of regurgitation and aspiration. Gastrostomy is preferred over NG feedings in the patient who is comatose because the gastroesophageal sphincter remains intact. Regurgitation and aspiration are less likely to occur with a gastrostomy than with NG feedings.

A patient who is HIV positive comes to the clinic and is experiencing white patches with rough hairlike projections. The nurse observes the lesions on the lateral border of the tongue. What abnormality of the mouth does the nurse determine these lesions are?

Hairy leukoplakia Hairy leukoplakia is a condition often seen in people who are HIV positive in which white patches with rough hairlike projections occur, typically found on lateral border of the tongue.

The nurse cares for a client who receives continuous parenteral nutrition (PN) through a Hickman catheter and notices that the client's solution has run out. No PN solution is currently available from the pharmacy. What should the nurse do?

Hang 10% Dextrose and water If the parenteral nutrition (PN) solution runs out and no PN is available, the nurse should hang 10% dextrose and water until the PN becomes available.

A patient has been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia. The nurse explains the diagnosis to the patient and his family by telling them that a hernia is a (an):

Protrusion of the upper stomach into the lower portion of the thorax. It is important for the patient and his family to understand the altered association between the esophagus and the stomach. The diaphragm opening, through which the esophagus passes, becomes enlarged and part of the upper stomach moves up into the lower portion of the thorax. The abnormality is not an involuntary, protruding, or twisted segment.

The primary source of microorganisms for catheter-related infections are the skin and which of the following?

The catheter hub The primary sources of microorganisms for catheter-related infections are the skin and the catheter hub. The catheter site is covered with an occlusive gauze dressing that is usually changed every other day.

A nurse enters the room of a client who has returned to the unit after having a radical neck dissection. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

The client lying in a lateral position with the HOB flat A client who has had neck surgery is at risk for neck swelling. To prevent respiratory complications, the head of the bed should be at least at a 30-degree angle. This position gives the lungs room to expand and decreases swelling by promoting venous and lymphatic drainage. This position also minimizes the risk of aspiration. Serosanguineous drainage on the dressing, a Foley bag containing amber urine, and levofloxacin infusing aren't causes for concern.

A client receives tube feedings after an oral surgery. The nurse manages tube feedings to minimize the risk of aspiration. Which measure should the nurse include in the care plan to reduce the risk of aspiration?

Use semi-Fowler position during, and 60 minutes after, an intermittent feeding. To minimize the risk of aspiration, it is important to place the client in a semi-Fowler position during, and 60 minutes after, an intermittent feeding because proper positioning prevents regurgitation. Checking tube placement and gastric residual prior to feedings is another important measure because it prevents improper infusion and vomiting. If aspiration is suspected, feeding should be stopped as cessation prevents further problems and allows for treatment of the immediate problem. Changing tube feeding container and tubing, monitoring weight daily, and administering 15 to 30 mL of water before and after medications and feedings are measures to maintain tube function.