Device-Related Complications (NG, Foley, Drains)

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NCLEX-RN › Device-Related Complications (NG, Foley, Drains)

Questions 1 - 10
1

A 52-year-old client is 3 days postoperative after mastectomy with a closed-suction drain in place. The nurse notes the drain bulb is not compressed, the dressing is saturated, and the client reports a sudden increase in swelling near the insertion site; vital signs are T 36.96C (98.46F), HR 108/min, BP 118/70 mm Hg. What is the nurse's PRIORITY intervention for this client?

Apply a heating pad to the area to reduce swelling

Document the findings and reassess the site in 1 hour

Remove the drain to prevent further leakage

Recompress the drain bulb and ensure the tubing connections are secure to reestablish suction

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment for device-related complications, specifically loss of closed-suction drain function. The priority nursing framework applied is restoring device function to prevent complications. Recompressing the drain bulb and ensuring secure connections (A) is the highest priority because loss of suction leads to fluid accumulation, evidenced by the saturated dressing and swelling. Documenting and waiting (B) delays necessary intervention; applying heat (C) is contraindicated and could increase bleeding; removing the drain (D) requires a provider order and eliminates needed drainage. The clinical decision-making principle is to immediately restore device function when malfunction is identified to prevent complications like seroma or hematoma formation. A transferable strategy for managing device-related issues is to understand each device's mechanism of action and troubleshoot systematically when function is compromised.

2

A 68-year-old client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is 1 day postoperative after abdominal surgery and has an indwelling Foley catheter for accurate intake and output. The client reports suprapubic discomfort and burning; urine in the drainage bag is cloudy with a foul odor, and the temperature is 38.36C (1016F), HR 104/min, BP 128/76 mm Hg. The nurse notes the drainage bag is hanging from the side rail and the catheter tubing has a dependent loop. The nurse should IMPLEMENT which intervention FIRST?

Request a provider order to remove and replace the Foley catheter

Obtain a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity using the sampling port with aseptic technique

Reposition the drainage bag below bladder level and straighten the tubing to remove dependent loops

Administer the prescribed PRN acetaminophen for fever and discomfort

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment for device-related complications, specifically catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention. The priority nursing framework applied here is infection prevention and proper device maintenance. Repositioning the drainage bag below bladder level and straightening the tubing (B) is the highest priority intervention because improper positioning causes urine reflux and stasis, which are immediate risk factors for infection that can be quickly corrected. Obtaining a urine culture (A) is important but should follow correction of the mechanical issue; administering acetaminophen (C) treats symptoms but not the cause; requesting catheter replacement (D) may be premature before addressing positioning issues. The clinical decision-making principle is to first address modifiable risk factors that compromise device function before pursuing diagnostic or invasive interventions. A transferable strategy for managing device-related issues is to always assess and correct mechanical problems (positioning, kinks, obstructions) before considering device replacement or other interventions.

3

A 76-year-old client with dementia has an indwelling Foley catheter for accurate output measurement during diuretic therapy on a medical unit. The client is pulling at the catheter; the nurse notes blood-tinged urine in the tubing and the catheter securement device is loose, with tension on the meatus. What is the nurse's PRIORITY intervention for this client?

Remove the Foley catheter and switch to a condom catheter

Irrigate the catheter with sterile saline to clear blood

Obtain a urine specimen for urinalysis and culture

Apply a new securement device to stabilize the catheter and reduce traction

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment for device-related complications in Foley catheters for clients with dementia. The priority nursing framework applied is safety and prevention of urethral trauma. Applying a new securement device to stabilize the catheter and reduce traction is the highest priority intervention because the loose device and pulling are causing meatal tension and hematuria, which can lead to further injury if not addressed immediately. Obtaining a specimen (B) is for infection but not urgent, irrigation (C) may not be indicated without obstruction, and removal (D) eliminates monitoring capability. The clinical decision-making principle applied is prioritizing mechanical stabilization to prevent iatrogenic harm. This involves assessing securement during routine checks. A transferable strategy for managing device-related issues is to use securement devices consistently and educate on risks of manipulation to minimize trauma.

4

A 61-year-old client is postoperative day 1 after a mastectomy with a JP drain on a surgical unit. The nurse notes the bulb is not compressed, the drain output has decreased from 60 mL to 5 mL in 8 hours, and a firm swelling is present near the incision; vital signs: BP 118/70, HR 104, temp 37.6°C (99.7°F). Which assessment finding requires IMMEDIATE action?

Temperature 37.6°C (99.7°F)

Drain output decreased to 5 mL in 8 hours

Firm swelling near the incision

JP bulb not compressed

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment for device-related complications with JP drains post-mastectomy. The priority nursing framework applied is safety and prevention of fluid accumulation. Firm swelling near the incision requires immediate action because it suggests seroma or hematoma formation due to the non-compressed bulb impairing drainage, necessitating prompt intervention to avoid wound complications. Non-compressed bulb (A), decreased output (B), and mild temperature elevation (D) are related but less critical than the swelling, which indicates active accumulation. The clinical decision-making principle applied is correlating device malfunction with physical assessment findings. This guides timely recompression or notification to prevent infection or dehiscence. A transferable strategy for managing device-related issues is to ensure drain bulbs are compressed and monitor output trends alongside site assessments for early detection of issues.

5

A 60-year-old client with gastric outlet obstruction has an NG tube to suction on a medical-surgical unit. The nurse notes the client has dry mucous membranes, complains of muscle cramps, and has irregular pulse; labs: K+ 2.9 mEq/L, Cl− 88 mEq/L. Which complication should the nurse MONITOR for in this client?

Pulmonary edema related to fluid overload

Cushing triad related to increased intracranial pressure

Cardiac dysrhythmias related to hypokalemia

Hyperkalemia related to fluid shifts

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment for device-related complications from NG suction causing electrolyte imbalances. The priority nursing framework applied is safety and physiological needs per Maslow's hierarchy. Cardiac dysrhythmias related to hypokalemia should be monitored because prolonged NG suction leads to potassium and chloride loss, as evidenced by low labs and symptoms, increasing arrhythmia risk. Hyperkalemia (B), pulmonary edema (C), and Cushing triad (D) are unrelated; hyperkalemia contradicts losses, edema suggests overload not depletion, and Cushing is neurological. The clinical decision-making principle applied is anticipating metabolic consequences of gastric fluid removal. This involves serial lab monitoring and symptom assessment. A transferable strategy for managing device-related issues is to monitor electrolytes regularly in clients on suction and replace as needed to prevent imbalances.

6

A 52-year-old client with diabetes is 4 days postoperative with a JP drain after abdominal surgery on a surgical unit. The nurse notes the drain site has spreading erythema, increased warmth, and the client reports worsening pain; vital signs: BP 110/68, HR 112, temp 39.0°C (102.2°F). What is the nurse's PRIORITY intervention for this client?

Notify the provider of suspected infection and anticipate orders for cultures and antibiotics

Teach the client to avoid touching the drain site

Apply topical antibiotic ointment to the insertion site

Decrease the frequency of drain emptying to reduce irritation

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment for device-related complications suggesting JP drain site infection. The priority nursing framework applied is infection prevention and timely treatment. Notifying the provider of suspected infection and anticipating orders for cultures and antibiotics is the highest priority intervention because spreading erythema, warmth, pain, and high fever in a diabetic client indicate cellulitis or abscess needing systemic therapy. Topical ointment (B) is insufficient alone, decreasing emptying (C) could worsen issues, and teaching (D) is secondary to acute care. The clinical decision-making principle applied is escalating care for high-risk clients with infection signs. This includes vital sign correlation for sepsis screening. A transferable strategy for managing device-related issues is to report progressive site changes promptly to facilitate early antibiotic initiation.

7

A 80-year-old client with chronic kidney disease and heart failure has both an NG tube to low intermittent suction for small bowel obstruction and an indwelling Foley catheter for strict intake and output in an emergency department observation unit. The nurse notes the NG suction canister is rapidly filling with dark brown output, the client is dizzy, BP 88/54, HR 124, and urine output is 10 mL/hr for the last 2 hours. What is the nurse's PRIORITY intervention for this client?

Notify the provider and prepare to initiate IV fluid resuscitation per orders

Clamp the NG tube and reassess bowel sounds

Increase the suction setting to continuous high suction

Irrigate the Foley catheter with sterile saline to improve urine output

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment for device-related complications involving NG tubes and Foley catheters in clients with fluid imbalances. The priority nursing framework applied is the ABCs, emphasizing circulation and hemodynamic stability. Notifying the provider and preparing to initiate IV fluid resuscitation per orders is the highest priority intervention because rapid dark brown NG output, hypotension, tachycardia, and oliguria suggest hypovolemic shock requiring urgent volume replacement. Clamping the NG (A) could worsen obstruction, increasing suction (B) may exacerbate fluid loss, and irrigating the Foley (D) addresses urine output but not the primary issue of volume depletion. The clinical decision-making principle applied is assessing for signs of shock and prioritizing stabilization through collaboration with the healthcare team. This includes monitoring intake/output and vital signs to detect decompensation early. A transferable strategy for managing device-related issues is to correlate device outputs with systemic symptoms and escalate care when imbalances threaten stability.

8

A 63-year-old client with a Foley catheter for postoperative urinary retention is on a surgical unit. The nurse notes new flank pain, temperature 38.4°C (101.1°F), chills, and CVA (costovertebral angle) tenderness; urine is cloudy with strong odor. Which assessment finding requires IMMEDIATE action?

Temperature 38.4°C (101.1°F) with chills

Postoperative urinary retention history

Cloudy urine with strong odor

Client has a Foley catheter in place

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment for device-related complications indicating possible pyelonephritis from Foley catheters. The priority nursing framework applied is infection prevention and systemic response. Temperature 38.4°C (101.1°F) with chills requires immediate action because it signifies systemic infection, potentially ascending to kidneys, as supported by flank pain and CVA tenderness, necessitating prompt intervention. Cloudy urine (A), Foley presence (C), and retention history (D) are contributory but not as acute as fever with chills, which indicate sepsis risk. The clinical decision-making principle applied is recognizing escalating infection signs beyond local symptoms. This guides urgent provider notification. A transferable strategy for managing device-related issues is to monitor for systemic infection indicators like fever and escalate care to prevent progression.

9

A 69-year-old client with heart failure has a Foley catheter for hourly urine output monitoring in an ICU step-down unit. The nurse notes urine output has dropped to 15 mL/hr, the tubing has sediment, and the client reports lower abdominal pressure; bladder scan shows 650 mL. The nurse should IMPLEMENT which intervention FIRST?

Administer an additional dose of IV diuretic per standing order

Obtain a urine culture to evaluate for UTI

Check for kinks/dependent loops and ensure the catheter is not obstructed, then reposition as needed

Remove the catheter and encourage the client to void in a urinal

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment for device-related complications with Foley catheters for output monitoring. The priority nursing framework applied is safety and maintenance of accurate monitoring. Checking for kinks/dependent loops and ensuring the catheter is not obstructed, then repositioning as needed is the highest priority intervention because sediment and low output with high bladder volume indicate blockage, and correction restores flow. Additional diuretic (B) ignores mechanical issues, culture (C) is for infection not obstruction, and removal (D) loses monitoring. The clinical decision-making principle applied is troubleshooting device patency before pharmacological interventions. This uses tools like bladder scans for confirmation. A transferable strategy for managing device-related issues is to inspect tubing routinely for obstructions and use non-invasive corrections to maintain function.

10

A 70-year-old client with COPD has an NG tube for enteral medications after aspiration pneumonia on a step-down unit. The nurse is unable to flush the NG tube; resistance is felt, and the client reports abdominal fullness; vital signs are stable and SpO2 is 95% on 2 L nasal cannula. What is the nurse's PRIORITY intervention for this client?

Request a provider order to replace the NG tube immediately

Attempt to flush the tube gently with warm water using a push-pause technique

Advance the NG tube 5–10 cm to improve patency

Administer medications through the tube despite resistance

Explanation

This question tests clinical judgment for device-related complications involving clogged NG tubes. The priority nursing framework applied is safety and maintenance of tube patency. Attempting to flush the tube gently with warm water using a push-pause technique is the highest priority intervention because it addresses the resistance and potential clog safely without causing trauma, restoring function for medication administration. Advancing the tube (B) risks misplacement, administering despite resistance (C) could cause rupture, and immediate replacement (D) is premature without attempting clearance. The clinical decision-making principle applied is using evidence-based techniques to resolve occlusions while monitoring for complications like distention. This promotes non-invasive resolution in stable clients. A transferable strategy for managing device-related issues is to employ gentle flushing protocols before escalating to replacement, ensuring minimal disruption to therapy.

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