Question

Which statement made by the family member caring for the client with a percutaneous gastrotomy tube indicates understanding of the nurse's teaching? A. "I must flush the tube with water after feedings and clamp the tube." B. "I must check placement four times per day." C. "I will report to the doctor any signs of indigestion." D. "If my father is unable to swallow, I will discontinue the feeding and call the clinic."

Short answer

A. "I must flush the tube with water after feedings and clamp the tube." This statement demonstrates understanding of the nurse's teaching as it emphasizes the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of the tube and preventing leakage of gastric contents.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze Option A

"I must flush the tube with water after feedings and clamp the tube." This statement is accurate because flushing the tube with water helps prevent clogs and maintain the cleanliness of the tube. Clamping the tube prevents leakage of the gastric contents.

Analyze Option B

"I must check placement four times per day." While it is important to check the tube placement regularly to ensure it hasn't moved, four times per day may be excessive. The frequency of checking tube placement depends on the specific situation and recommendations from the healthcare team.

Analyze Option C

"I will report to the doctor any signs of indigestion." As a caregiver, reporting any signs of indigestion to the doctor is a good practice. However, indigestion may or may not be directly related to the percutaneous gastrotomy tube and its management. This statement does not necessarily demonstrate a specific understanding of the nurse's teaching.

Analyze Option D

"If my father is unable to swallow, I will discontinue the feeding and call the clinic." This statement is concerning because a percutaneous gastrotomy tube is designed for individuals who have difficulty swallowing. Discontinuing the feeding and calling the clinic if the client is unable to swallow does not indicate understanding of the nurse's teaching.

Choose the Correct Answer

Based on the analysis, Option A is the most appropriate statement indicating understanding of the nurse's teaching regarding the care of a client with a percutaneous gastrotomy tube. The correct answer is A. "I must flush the tube with water after feedings and clamp the tube."

Key concepts

Nurse's Teaching

A essential aspect of providing care for a patient with a percutaneous gastrotomy (PEG) tube is understanding the importance of nurse's teaching. The nurse plays a crucial role in educating both patients and caregivers on proper PEG tube care to avoid complications.

Key educational points by nurses include how to properly flush the tube with water after feedings to prevent clogs, how to clamp the tube to avoid leakage, and the symptoms that require immediate medical attention. Proper flushing maintains tube patency and hygiene, while clamping prevents gastric content spillage. When caregivers understand these teaching points, they demonstrate an ability to manage PEG tube feedings effectively and safeguard patient health.

Tube Feeding Management

Tube feeding management involves various procedures to ensure that nutrition provided through a PEG tube is safe, effective, and comfortable for the patient. It encompasses preparation of the tube feeding formula, proper administration, and post-feeding care.

One crucial aspect is verifying the tube's placement before feeding to prevent complications such as aspiration. While routine checks are necessary, overchecking can cause undue stress and nasal or throat discomfort for the patient. The healthcare team should provide a tailored recommendation for the frequency of these checks. Additionally, post-feeding protocols like flushing with water to keep the tube clean, as mentioned in previous sections, are part of effective tube feeding management.

Caregiver Education

Caregiver education is a cornerstone of home-based tube feeding care. It empowers family members to provide assistance with PEG tube feedings and recognize potential issues. The instructional process includes teaching them how to check for signs of proper tube placement, recognize symptoms of complications, and effectively communicate with healthcare providers.

Educators should stress the importance of reporting any adverse signs such as indigestion, which might indicate problems like tube displacement or infection. While indigestion can be common and may not always be related to the PEG tube, caregivers should be vigilant and seek medical advice as needed. Good communication between caregivers and clinicians is vital in providing proper patient care.

NCLEX-PN Exam Preparation

Preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) requires comprehensive understanding of various caretaking skills, including PEG tube management and related patient education. Prospective nurses must be adept in their knowledge of how to teach patients and caregivers about the care and handling of PEG tubes.

Candidates are tested on their ability to educate and guide others in procedures such as flushing and clamping the tube, signs to monitor, and when to seek medical support. Exam preparation involves not just memorizing procedures but also understanding the rationale behind them to provide compassionate and effective patient care. Clear communication and patient safety are emphasized, making these aspects key to a successful exam outcome.