The client has a nasogastric (NG) tube and is receiving enteral feedings. What intervention should the nurse implement to prevent complications associated with the NG tube?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Keep the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees. Rationale: 1. Elevating the head of the bed at 30 degrees helps prevent aspiration by promoting proper drainage of gastric contents. 2. This position reduces the risk of reflux and pulmonary complications in clients with NG tubes. 3. It also helps maintain the proper position of the tube in the stomach, decreasing the likelihood of displacement. Summary of Other Choices: A. Flushing the NG tube with water before and after feedings is important for tube patency but does not directly prevent complications associated with the NG tube. B. Checking gastric residual volume every 6 hours is important to monitor feeding tolerance but does not directly prevent complications related to the NG tube. D. Replacing the NG tube every 24 hours is not necessary unless there are specific indications such as tube blockage or dislodgment. Regular replacement can increase the risk of complications and is not a standard practice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Moon face and buffalo hump. In Cushing's syndrome, excessive cortisol production leads to characteristic symptoms like moon face (round, puffy face) and buffalo hump (fat accumulation at the back of the neck). This is due to redistribution of fat in the body. Hyperpigmentation (choice A) is seen in Addison's disease, not Cushing's. Hypotension (choice B) is unlikely due to the cortisol-induced sodium retention. Weight loss (choice D) is less common in Cushing's due to the metabolic changes causing weight gain.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum potassium of 2.8 mEq/L. Hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, especially in diabetic patients with hyperglycemia. Immediate intervention is needed to prevent cardiac complications. A: Serum glucose of 350 mg/dL is high but not immediately life-threatening. C: Serum sodium of 136 mEq/L is within normal range and does not require immediate intervention. D: Serum bicarbonate of 20 mEq/L is slightly low but does not pose an immediate risk to the patient's life.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Urine output of 20 ml/hour. In severe dehydration, decreased urine output indicates compromised renal function and impaired fluid balance, necessitating immediate intervention to prevent further complications. A: Heart rate of 110 bpm is elevated but not an immediate concern. B: Blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg is low but may be compensated in dehydration. D: Dry mucous membranes are a sign of dehydration but not an immediate threat compared to inadequate urine output.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: LDL of 200 mg/dL. Elevated LDL levels are a major risk factor for CAD and require immediate intervention. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is used to lower LDL levels. High LDL contributes to plaque buildup in arteries. A: Total cholesterol of 180 mg/dL is within the normal range and doesn't require immediate intervention. C: Triglycerides of 150 mg/dL are also within the normal range and don't pose an immediate risk. D: HDL of 40 mg/dL is considered low, but it is not as critical as high LDL levels in the context of CAD.