Upper GI Disorders Flashcards
A nurse is preparing to place a patient’s ordered NG tube. How should the nurse best determine the correct length of the NG tube?
A. Place distal tip to nose, then ear tip and end of xiphoid process
B. Instruct patient to lie prone and measure tip of nose to umbilical area
C. Insert the tube into the patient’s nose until secretions can be aspirated
D. Obtain an order from the physician for the length of the tube to insert
A. Place distal tip to nose, then ear tip and end of xiphoid process
A patient is concerned about leakage of gastric contents out of the gastric sump tube the nurse has just inserted. What would the nurse do to prevent reflux gastric contents from coming through the blue vent of a gastric sump tube?
A. Prime the tubing with 20 mL of NS
B. Keep the vent lumen above the patient’s waist
C. Maintain the patient in a high fowler’s position
D. Have the patient pin the tube to the thigh
B. Keep the vent lumen above the patient’s waist
A patient receiving tube feedings is experiencing diarrhea. The nurse and the physician suspect that the patient is experiencing dumping syndrome. What intervention is most appropriate?
A. Stop the tube feed and aspirate stomach contents
B. Increase the hourly feed rate so it finishes earlier
C. Dilute the concentration of the feeding solution
D. Administer fluid replace via IV
C. Dilute the concentration of the feeding solution
A nurse is admitting a patient to the post surgical unit following a gastrostomy. When planning assessments, the nurse should be aware of what potential postop complication of gastrostomy?
A. Premature removal of the G tube
B. Bowel perforation
C. Constipation
D. Development of peptic ulcer disease (PUD)
A. Premature removal of the G tube
A nursing education is reviewing the care of patients with feeding tubes and endotracheal tubes (ET). The educator has emphasized the need to check for tube placement in the stomach as well as residual volume. What is the main purpose of this nursing action?
A. Prevent gastric ulcers
B. Prevent aspiration
C. Prevent abdominal distention
D. Prevent diarrhea
B. Prevent aspiration
The nurse is administering total parenteral nutrition (TPN) to a client who underwent surgery for gastric cancer. Which of the nurse’s assessments most directly addresses a major complication of TPN?
A. Checking the patient’s capillary blood glucose levels regularly
B. Having the patient frequently rate his or her hunger on a 10-point scale
C. Measuring the patient’s heart rhythm at least every 6 hours
D. Monitoring the patient’s LOC each shift
A. Checking the patient’s capillary blood glucose levels regularly
A critical care nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. The nurse knows that the indications for starting parenteral nutrition (PN) for this patient are what?
A. 5% deficit in body weight compared to pre-illness weight and increased caloric need
B. Calorie deficit and muscle wasting combined with low electrolyte levels
C. Inability to take in adequate oral food or fluids within 7 days
D. Significant risk of aspiration coupled with decreased LOC
C. Inability to take in adequate oral food or fluids within 7 days
A nurse is preparing to administer a patient’s IV fat emulsion simultaneously with parenteral nutrition (PN). Which of the following principles should guide the nurse’s action?
A. IV fat emulsions may be infused simultaneously with PN through a y-connector close to the infusion site and should be filtered
B. The nurse should prepare for placement of another IV line, as IV fat emulsions may not be infused simultaneously through the line used for PN
C. IV fat emulsions may be infused simultaneously with PN through a Y-connector close to the infusion site after running the emulsion through a filter
D. The IV fat emulsions can be piggy-backed into any exiting IV solution
A. IV fat emulsions may be infused simultaneously with PN through a y-connector close to the infusion site and should be filtered
A nurse is participating in a patient’s care conference and the team is deciding between parenteral nutrition (PN) and a total nutritional admixture (TNA). What advantages are associated with providing TNA rather than PN?
A. TNA can be mixed by a certified RN
B. TNA can be administered over 8 hours, while PN requires 24-hour administration
C. TNA is less costly than PN
D. TNA doesn’t require use of micron filter
C. TNA is less costly than PN
A nurse is initiating parenteral nutrition (PN) to a postop patient who has developed complications. The nurse should initiate therapy by performing which of the following actions?
A. Starting its a rapid infusion rate to meet the patient’s nutritional needs as quickly as possible
B. Initiating the infusion slowly and monitoring the patient’s fluid and glucose tolerance
C. Changing the rate of administration every 2 hours based on serum electrolyte values
D. Increasing the rate of infusion at mealtimes to mimic the circadian rhythm of the body
B. Initiating the infusion slowly and monitoring the patient’s fluid and glucose tolerance
A patient’s physician has determined that for the next 3 to 4 weeks the patient will require parenteral nutrition (PN). The nurse should anticipate the placement of what type of venous access device?
A. Peripheral catheter
B. Nontunneled central catheter
C. Implantable port
D. Tunneled central catheter
B. Nontunneled central catheter
A nurse is caring for a patient who has an order to discontinue the administration of parenteral nutrition. What should the nurse do to prevent the occurrence of rebound hypoglycemia in the patient?
A. Administer an isotonic dextrose solution for 1 to 2 hours after discontinuing the PN
B. Administer a hypertonic dextrose solution for 1 to 2 hours after discontinuing the PN
C. Administer 3 ampules of dextrose 50% immediately prior to discontinuing the PN
D. Administer 3 ampules of dextrose 50% 1 hour after discontinuing the PN
A. Administer an isotonic dextrose solution for 1 to 2 hours after discontinuing the PN
A nurse is caring for a patient with subclavian central line who is receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). In preparing a care plan for this patient, what nursing diagnosis should the nurse prioritize?
A. Risk for Activity Intolerance related to the presence of subclavian catheter
B. Risk for Infection related to the presence of a subclavian catheter
C. Risk for Functional Urinary Incontinence related to the presence of a subclavian catheter
D. Risk for Sleep Deprivation related to the presence of a subclavian catheter
B. Risk for Infection related to the presence of a subclavian catheter
A patient’s health decline necessitates the use of total parenteral nutrition. The patient has questioned the need for insertion of a central venous catheter, expressing a preference for a normal IV. The nurse should know that peripheral administration of high-concentration PN formulas is contraindicated because of the risk for what complication?
A. Chemical phlebitis
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Dumping syndrome
D. Line sepsis
A. Chemical phlebitis
A nurse is providing care for a patient with a diagnosis of late-stage Alzheimer’s disease. The patient has just returned it the medical unit to begin supplemental feedings through an NG tube. Which of the nurse’s assessments addressed this patient’s most significant potential complication of feeding?
A. Frequent assessment of the patient’s abdominal girth
B. Assessment for hemorrhage front he nasal insertion site
C. Frequent lung auscultation
D. Vigilant monitoring of the frequency and character of BMs
C. Frequent lung auscultation
The management of the patient’s gastrostomy is an assessment priority for the home care nurse. What statement would indicate that the patient is managing the tube correctly?
A. I clean my stoma twice a day with alcohol
B. The only time I flush my tube is when I’m putting in medications
C. I flush my tube with water before and after each of my medications
D. I try to stay still most of the time to avoid dislodging my tube
C. I flush my tube with water before and after each of my medications
A nurse is caring for a patient with a NG tube for feeding. During shift assessment, the nurse auscultates a new onset of bilateral lung crackles and notes a RR of 30 breaths per minute. The patient’s oxygen saturation is 89% by pulse ox. After ensuring the patient’s immediate safety, what is the nurse’s most appropriate action?
A. Perform CPT
B. Reduce the height of the patient’s bed and remove the NG tube
C. Liaise with the dietitian to obtain a feeding solution with lower osmolality
D. Report possible signs of aspiration PNA to the PCP
D. Report possible signs of aspiration PNA to the PCP
A nurse is creating a care plan for a patient with a NG tube. How should the nurse direct other members of the care team to check correct placement of the tube?
A. Auscultation the patient’s abdomen after injecting air through the tube
B. Assess the color and pH of aspirate
C. Locate the marking made after the initial x-ray confirming placement
D. Use a combo of at least two accepted methods for confirming placement
D. Use a combo of at least two accepted methods for confirming placement
The nurse is assessing placement of a NG tube that the patient has had in place for 2 days. The tube is draining green aspirate. What is the nurse’s most appropriate action?
A. Inform the physician that the tube may be in the patient’s pleural space
B. Withdraw the tube 2-4 cm
C. Leave the tube in its present position
D. Advance the tube up to 8 cm
C. Leave the tube in its present position
A patient’s new onset of dysphagia has required insertion of an NG tube for feeding; the nurse has modified the patient’s care plan accordingly. What intervention should the nurse include in the patient’s plan of care?
A. Confirm placement of the tube prior to each medication administration
B. Have the patient sip cool water to stimulate saliva production
C. Keep the patient in low Fowler’s position when at rest
D. Connect the tube to continuous wall suction when not in use
A. Confirm placement of the tube priori to each medication administration
A patient has been brought to the ED by EMS after telling a family member that he deliberately took an overdose of NSAIDs a few minutes earlier. If lovage is ordered, the nurse should prepare to assist with the insertion of what type of tube?
A. NG tube
B. Levin tube
C. Gastric sump
D. Orogastric tube
D. Orogastric tube
A patient’s NG tube has become clogged after the nurse instilled a medication that was in sufficiently crushed. The nurse has attempted to aspirate with a large-bore syringe, with no success. What should the nurse do next?
A. Withdraw the NG tube 3-5 cm and re-attempt aspiration
B. Attach a syringe filled with warm water and attempt an in-and-out motion of instilling and aspirating
C. Withdraw the NG tube slightly and attempt to dislodge by flicking the tube with the fingers
D. Remove the NG tube promptly and obtain an order for reinsertion from the PCP
B. Attach a syringe filled with warm water and attempt an in-and-out motion of instilling and aspirating
A nurse has obtained an order to remove a patient’s NG tube and has prepared the patient accordingly. After flushing the tube and removing the nasal tape, the nurse attempts removal but is met with resistance. Because the nurse is unable to overcome this resistance, what is the most appropriate action?
A. Gently twist the tube before pulling
B. Instill a digestive enzyme solution and rest tempt removal in 10-15 minutes
C. Flush the tube with hot tap water and re-attempt removal
D. Report this finding to the patient’s PCP
D. Report this finding to the patient’s PCP
A nurse is writing a care plan for a patient with a NG tube in place for gastric decompression. What risk nursing diagnosis is the most appropriate component of the care plan?
A. Risk for Excess Fluid Volume related to enteral feedings
B. Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity related to presence of NG tube
C. Risk for Unstable Blood Glucose related to enteral feedings
D. Risk for Impaired Verbal Communication related to presence of NG tube
B. Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity related to presence of NG tube
A patient’s enteral feedings have been determined to be too concentrated based on the patient’s development of dumping syndrome. What physiological phenomenon caused this patient’s complication of enteral feeding?
A. Increased gastric secretion of HCl and gastric because of high osmolality of feeds
B. Entry of large amounts of water into the small intestine because of osmotic pressure
C. Mucosal irritation of the stomach and small intestine by the high concentration of the feed
D. Acid-base imbalance resulting from the high volume of solutes in the feed
B. Entry of large amounts of water into the small intestine because of osmotic pressure
A nurse is creating a care plan for a patient who is receiving parenteral nutrition. The patient’s care plan should include nursing actions relevant to what potential complications? SATA.
A. Dumping syndrome
B. Clotted or displaced catheter
C. Pneumothorax
D. Hyperglycemia
E. Line sepsis
B. Clotted or displaced catheter
C. Pneumothorax
D. Hyperglycemia
E. Line sepsis
A nurse is caring for a patient who has a GI tube in place. Which of the following are indications for GI intubation? SATA.
A. To remove gas from the stomach
B. To administer clotting factors to treat a GI bleed
C. To remove toxins from the stomach
D. To open sphincters that are close
E. To diagnose GI motility disorders
A. To remove gas from the stomach
C. To remove toxins from the stomach
E. To diagnose GI motility disorders
A patient with dysphagia is scheduled for PEG tube insertion and asks the nurse how the tube will stay in place. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. Adhesive holds a flange in place against the abdominal skin
B. A stitch holds the tube in place externally
C. The tube is stitched to the abdominal skin externally and the stomach wall internally
D. An internal retention disc secures the tube against the stomach wall
D. An internal retention disc secures the tube against the stomach wall
A patient is postop day 1 following gastrostomy. The nurse is planning interventions to address the nursing diagnosis of Risk for Infection related to Presence of Wound and Tube. What intervention is most appropriate?
A. Administer antibiotics via the tube as ordered
B. Wash the area around the tube with soap and water daily
C. Cleanse the skin within 2 cm of the insertion site with hydrogen peroxide once per shift
D. Irritate the skin surrounding the insertion site with NS before each use
B. Wash the area around the tube with soap and water daily
The nurse is preparing the insert a patient’s ordered NG tube. What factor should the nurse recognize as a risk for incorrect placement?
A. The patient is obese and has a short neck
B. The patient is agitated
C. The patient has a history of gastric esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
D. The patient is being treated for PNA
B. The patient is agitated
Prior to a patient’s scheduled jejunostomy, the nurse is performing the preop assessment. What goal should the nurse prioritize during the preop assessment?
A. Determine the patient’s nutritional needs
B. Determining that the patient fully understands the postop care required
C. Determining the patient’s ability to understand and cooperate with the procedure
D. Determining the patient’s ability to cope with an altered body image
C. Determining the patient’s ability to understand and cooperate with the procedure
You are caring for a patient who was admitted to have a low-profile gastrostomy device (LPGD) placed. How soon after the original gastrostomy tube placement can an LPGD be placed?
A. 2 weeks
B. 4-6 weeks
C. 2-3 months
D. 4-6 months
C. 2-3 months
A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving parenteral nutrition. When writing this patient’s plan of care, which of the following nursing diagnoses should be included?
A. Risk for Peripheral Neurovascular Dysfunction related to catheter placement
B. Ineffective Role Performance related to parenteral nutrition
C. Bowel Incontinence related to parenteral nutrition
D. Chronic Pain related to catheter placement
B. Ineffective Role Performance related to parenteral nutrition
A nurse is aware of the high incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients receiving parenteral nutrition. What nursing action has the greatest potential to reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections?
A. Use clean technique and wear a mask during dressing changes
B. Change the dressing no more than weekly
C. Apply antibiotic ointment around the site with each dressing change
D. Irrigate the insertion site with sterile water during each dressing change
B. Change the dressing no more than weekly
A patient who suffered a stroke had an NG tube inserted to facilitate feeding shortly after admission. The patient has since become comatose and the patient’s family asks the nurse why the physician is recommending the removal of the patient’s NG tube and the insertion of a gastrostomy tube. What is the nurse’s best response?
A. It eliminates the risk for infection
B. Feeds can be infused a faster rate
C. Regurgitation and aspiration are less likely
D. It allows caregivers to provide personal hygiene more easily
C. Regurgitation and aspiration are less likely
A patient has been discharged home on parenteral nutrition (PN). Much of the nurse’s discharge education focused on coping. What must a patient on PN likely learn to cope with? SATA.
A. Changes in lifestyle
B. Loss of eating as a social behavior
C. Chronic bowel incontinence from GI changes
D. Sleep disturbances related to frequent urination during nighttime infusions
E. Stress of choosing the correct PN formulation
A. Changes in lifestyle
B. Loss of eating as a social behavior
D. Sleep disturbances related to frequent urination during nighttime infusions
A patient has a gastrostomy tube that has been placed to drain stomach contents by low intermittent suction. What is the nurse’s priority during the aspect of the patient’s care?
A. Measure and record drainage
B. Monitor drainage for change in color
C. Titration the suction every hour
D. Feed the patient via the G tube as ordered
A. Measure and record drainage
A nurse is preparing to discharge a patient home on parenteral nutrition. What should an effective home care teaching program address? SATA.
A. Preparing the patient to troubleshoot for problems
B. Teaching the patient and family strict aseptic technique
C. Teaching the patient and family how to set up the infusion
D. Teaching the patient to flush the line with sterile water
E. Teaching the patient when it is safe to leave the access site open to air
A. Preparing the patient to troubleshoot for problems
B. Teaching the patient and family strict aseptic technique
C. Teaching the patient and family how to set up the infusion
The nurse is caring for a patient who is postop from having a gastrostomy tube placed. What should the nurse do on a daily basis to prevent skin breakdown?
A. Verify tube placement
B. Loop adhesive tape around the tube and connect it securely to the abdomen
C. Gently rotate the tube
D. Change the wet-to-dry dressing
C. Gently rotate the tube
A nurse is preparing to administer a patient’s scheduled parenteral nutrition (PN). Upon inspecting the bag, the nurse notices that the presence of small amounts of white precipitate are present in the bag. What is the nurse’s best action?
A. Recognize this as an expected finding
B. Place the bag in a warm environment for 30 minutes
C. Shake the bag vigorously for 10-20 seconds
D. Contact the pharmacy to obtain a new bag of PN
D. Contact the pharmacy to obtain a new bag of PN
The patient has been diagnosed with a peptic ulcer. The patient asks the nurse, “what is a peptic ulcer?” Which of the following best describes a peptic ulcer?
A. Inflammation of the lining of the stomach
B. Erosion of the lining of the stomach or intestine
C. Bleeding from the mucosa in the stomach
D. Bacterial invasion of the stomach wall
B. Erosion of the lining of the stomach or intestine
The nurse asks the patient with a peptic ulcer to describe his pain. A patient with a peptic ulcer usually describes the pain as:
A. Gnawing
B. Sharp stabbing
C. Overdistended feeling
D. Cramping or aching
A. Gnawing
A patient has been prescribed ranitidine. Which of the following statements would indicate that the patient correctly understands the actions of this medication?
A. “The medication inhibits acid secretions”
B. “The medication is an antibiotic”
C. “The medication is an analgesic”
D. “The medication will repair my ulcer”
A. “The medication inhibits acid secretions”
The nurse suspects that the patient’s pain is related to a peptic ulcer when the patient states the pain is relieved by:
A. Eating
B. Drinking milk
C. Suppressing emesis
D. Having a BM
A. Eating
A patient admitted with a peptic ulcer complains of right shoulder pain and is hypotensive. The nurse anticipates that the causes for these symptoms are related to:
A. Improper positioning in the bed
B. Ulcer perforation
C. Angina
D. A pulmonary infection
B. Ulcer perforation
The nurse is concerned that the patient is experiencing progressive gastric cancer when she assesses which symptom?
A. Stomach pain relieved with antacids
B. Bloating
C. Diarrhea
D. Anemia
D. Anemia
The patient is being discharged after gastric surgery. What is an appropriate discharge outcome for this patient?
A. The patient’s BMs are loose
B. The patient eats three meals a day
C. The patient maintains a reasonable weight
D. The patient consumes a diet high in calcium
C. The patient maintains a reasonable weight
The nurse is bringing the meal tray to a patient who is receiving tetracycline therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Upon taking the cover off of the tray, the nurse recognizes that the patient will not be allowed to eat which of the following foods?
A. Red meat
B. Yogurt
C. Whole wheat bread
D. Nuts
B. Yogurt
The nurse is receiving a report from the PACU about a patient who is returning to the unit after a Billroth II (gastrojejunostomy). The nurse will assess for which complication related to this procedure?
A. Feeling of hunger
B. Constipation
C. Feeling of fullness
D. Gastric reflux
C. Feeling of fullness
The nurse is caring for a patient who underwent a subtotal gastrectomy. To manage dumping syndrome, the nurse should advise the patient to:
A. Restrict fluid intake to 1 qt (1000 mL) per day
B. Drink liquids only with meals
C. Maintain NPO status
D. Drink liquids only between meals
D. Drink liquids only between meals