NGT Quiz Flashcards
- What is the nurse’s responsibility regarding tube feeding placement?
a. Wait to verify placement at least 1 hour after medication administration by tube or mouth.
b. Turn off or place tube feeding on hold if it is infusing.
c. Clamp or kink feeding tube and disconnect from the end of the infusion bag tubing.
d. Measure the length of the tube extending from nares.
B
- What action should the nurse take when obtaining gastric aspirate from a patient with continuous tube feedings?
a. Draw back on the syringe slowly and obtain 5 to 10 mL of gastric aspirate.
b. Wait for at least 1 hour after medication administration to obtain aspirate.
c. Aspirate immediately if skin irritation is observed.
d. Report when a continuous tube feeding stops infusing.
Correct Answer: a. Draw back on the syringe slowly and obtain 5 to 10 mL of gastric aspirate.
Rationale: Obtaining gastric aspirate is important for assessing the patient’s condition and the effectiveness of continuous tube feedings. Drawing back slowly and obtaining an adequate amount allows for accurate evaluation.
- What should the nurse instruct the assistive personnel (AP) to do if they notice vomitus in a patient with a feeding tube?
a. Report immediately if there is a change in the external length of the tube.
b. Inform the nurse if the patient complains of shortness of breath, coughing, or choking.
c. Clamp or kink the feeding tube and disconnect it from the infusion bag tubing.
d. Draw up 30 mL of air into a syringe and flush the tube before attempting to aspirate fluid.
Correct Answer: b. Inform the nurse if the patient complains of shortness of breath, coughing, or gagging.
Rationale: The AP should inform the nurse if the patient exhibits signs of respiratory distress or discomfort related to the feeding tube.
- What should the nurse do immediately if there is a change in the external length of the tube?
a. Report to the nurse.
b. Clamp the feeding tube.
c. Draw back on the syringe slowly and obtain 5 to 10 mL of gastric aspirate.
d. Turn off or place tube feeding on hold.
Correct Answer: a. Report to the nurse.
Rationale: A change in the external length of the tube could indicate displacement. Reporting to the nurse promptly allows for further assessment and intervention.
- How often should the nurse check tube placement according to the procedural steps outlined in BOX 45.14?
a. Every 30 minutes.
b. At least 1 hour after medication administration.
c. As needed, based on the patient’s complaints.
d. According to agency policy.
Correct Answer: d. According to agency policy.
Rationale: Checking tube placement frequency should align with the specific policies and procedures of the healthcare agency.
- When irrigating a feeding tube, what action should the nurse avoid?
a. Insufflating air into the tube.
b. Checking tube placement.
c. Using a clean towel.
d. Using a small medication cup.
Correct Answer: a. Insufflating air into the tube.
Rationale: Insufflating air into the tube to check placement is not recommended. This action may cause complications and is contrary to proper tube care.
- What is the purpose of drawing up air into the syringe before attempting to aspirate fluid from the feeding tube?
a. To create resistance for accurate measurement.
b. To minimize the risk of skin irritation.
c. To prevent contamination of the syringe.
d. To flush the tube before obtaining gastric aspirate.
Correct Answer: d. To flush the tube before obtaining gastric aspirate.
Rationale: Drawing up air into the syringe helps flush the tube, ensuring that the obtained fluid is representative of the patient’s gastric content.
- What should the student nurse do if the patient complains of vomiting immediately after receiving intermittent tube feedings?
a. Report to the nurse.
b. Administer an antiemetic medication.
c. Increase the rate of intermittent feedings.
d. Wait for the next scheduled feeding.
Correct Answer: a. Report to the nurse.
Rationale: Vomiting after intermittent tube feedings may indicate a problem, and the nurse should be informed promptly for further assessment and intervention.
- What should the nurse assess when obtaining gastric aspirate from a patient receiving continuous tube feedings?
a. Color and consistency of the aspirate.
b. Patient’s respiratory rate.
c. External length of the feeding tube.
d. Presence of skin irritation.
Correct Answer: a. Color and consistency of the aspirate.
Rationale: Assessing the color and consistency of the aspirate helps the nurse evaluate the patient’s gastrointestinal status and the adequacy of continuous tube feedings.
- What is a common appearance of gastric aspirates from patients receiving continuous tube feedings?
a. Bile-stained aspirate.
b. Curdled enteral formula.
c. Clear and odorless aspirate.
d. Presence of undigested particles.
Correct Answer: b. Curdled enteral formula.
Rationale: Gastric aspirates from patients receiving continuous tube feedings often look like curdled enteral formula, which is a normal characteristic in this context.
- What is the recommended method for estimating the appropriate length of a nasoenteric tube in adults?
a. Measure distance from tip of nose to earlobe to xyphoid process (NEX)
b. Measure distance from xyphoid process to earlobe to nose (XEN) + 10 cm
c. Use nose to earlobe to midumbilicus (NEMU) method
d. Use NEMU option for adults, and add 20 to 30 cm for postpyloric tubes
Answer: a. Measure distance from tip of nose to earlobe to xyphoid process (NEX)
Rationale: This method provides a traditional and effective estimate for tube length, approximating the distance from the nose to the stomach.
- Why is it important to maintain the patient in a highFowler position during nasoenteric tube insertion?
a. Reduces transmission of microorganisms
b. Promotes effective swallowing
c. Facilitates closure of the airway
d. All of the above
D
Rationale: The highFowler position reduces the risk of aspiration, promotes effective swallowing, and helps with the closure of the airway.
- When should the insertion of a nasoenteric tube be delayed according to clinical judgment?
a. If the patient is comatose
b. If there is an increase in endtidal carbon dioxide
c. If the patient is in a semiFowler position
d. If the patient is confused
B
Rationale: Elevated endtidal CO2 may indicate potential tube misplacement, and insertion should be delayed until patient stability is ensured.
- What is the purpose of applying a pulse oximeter/capnograph during nasoenteric tube insertion?
a. Measure tube length accurately
b. Ensure proper tube placement
c. Assess respiratory status continuously
d. Prevent soiling of gown
Answer: c. Assess respiratory status continuously
Rationale: Continuous monitoring of respiratory status is crucial to detect any signs of tube misplacement or movement into the lungs.
- Why is it advised not to ice nasoenteric tubes?
a. Prevents soiling of gown
b. Maintains tube flexibility
c. Reduces transmission of microorganisms
d. Prevents tearing during insertion
Answer: b. Maintains tube flexibility
Rationale: Icing tubes makes them stiff and inflexible, leading to potential trauma to the nasal mucosa during insertion.
