Basic Nursing Skills Nutrition & Fluid Balance 2

Question 1

Which electrolyte imbalance is most associated with muscle cramps, weakness, and cardiac dysrhythmias?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypokalemia (low potassium) causes muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, and dangerous cardiac dysrhythmias including U waves on ECG.

Question 2

Before inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Measure from the nose to the ear to the xiphoid process

Answer

The NEX measurement (nose to ear to xiphoid process) estimates the length of tubing needed to reach the stomach.

Question 3

After inserting an NG tube, the most reliable method to verify placement is:

Accepted Answer

Confirming placement with an X-ray

Answer

Radiographic confirmation (X-ray) is the gold standard for verifying NG tube placement before initiating feedings or medications.

Question 4

A patient receiving enteral tube feedings develops abdominal distension, nausea, and high gastric residual volumes. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Hold the feeding and notify the provider

Answer

High gastric residual volumes with abdominal distension and nausea suggest intolerance or aspiration risk; tube feedings should be held and the provider notified.

Question 5

Which dietary teaching point is most important for a patient with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Distribute carbohydrate intake evenly throughout the day

Answer

Consistent carbohydrate distribution throughout the day helps maintain stable blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Basic Nursing Skills Practice Test

Basic Nursing Skills Practice Test

Basic Nursing Skills Nutrition & Fluid Balance 2