Next Clinical Skills and Procedures Flashcards

When performing nasogastric (NG) tube insertion, which action confirms correct placement before use?

Answer: Testing pH of aspirate and confirming with X-ray

The most reliable method to confirm NG tube placement is obtaining a gastric aspirate with pH ≤5 combined with radiographic confirmation via X-ray.

A nurse is changing a wound dressing with moderate serosanguineous drainage. Which dressing type is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Alginate or foam dressing

Alginate and foam dressings are highly absorbent and are specifically designed for wounds with moderate to heavy exudate.

Which position is MOST appropriate for a patient experiencing hypovolemic shock?

Answer: Modified Trendelenburg (legs elevated 20–30 degrees)

Modified Trendelenburg positioning elevates the legs to promote venous return and increase preload in a hypovolemic patient.

When obtaining a blood specimen from a central venous catheter (CVC), the nurse should first discard how much blood?

Answer: 5–10 mL

Discarding 5–10 mL of blood from a CVC clears the line of flush solution and heparin to ensure accurate lab results.

Which finding indicates that a peripheral IV site has become infiltrated?

Answer: Coolness, pallor, and swelling at the site

Infiltration occurs when IV fluid infuses into surrounding tissue, causing coolness, pallor, swelling, and discomfort rather than the warmth of phlebitis.

A nurse must administer a medication via Z-track injection. What is the correct technique?

Answer: Pull skin 1–1.5 inches laterally, inject, hold 10 seconds, then release skin

The Z-track method involves displacing skin laterally before injection and holding for 10 seconds after to prevent medication from leaking into subcutaneous tissue.