Feeding Frenzy
What does “enteral nutrition” mean?
Answer: Giving nutrients through the GI tract using a feeding tube.
What does IV stand for?
Answer: Intravenous.
Oxygen is considered a ______.
Answer: Drug (medication)
What does intubation mean?
Answer: Inserting an artificial airway.
What color-coded oxygen mask allows precise O₂ amounts?
Answer: Venturi mask.
What position should a client be in during and after a tube feed to prevent aspiration?
Answer: Semi-Fowler’s for 1–2 hours.
True or False — PSWs are allowed to insert IVs.
Answer: False.
What is the danger of having a lit cigarette around a client using oxygen?
Answer: Fire/explosion risk.
What is the name for a surgically created opening into the trachea for a tube?
Answer: Tracheostomy.
Which oxygen device uses a reservoir bag for high concentrations of O₂?
Answer: Non-rebreather mask.
What is the major risk if a feeding tube slips into the respiratory tract?
Answer: Aspiration → pneumonia or death.
2 signs of complications at an IV site you should report immediately.
Answer: Redness, swelling, pain, leaking fluid, hot/cold skin, bleeding.
What device delivers oxygen through two small prongs in the nose?
Answer: Nasal cannula.
If a tracheostomy tube comes out, what should the PSW do?
Answer: Report to nurse immediately — do not attempt to replace.
What’s added to oxygen to prevent drying of mucous membranes?
Answer: Humidifier with distilled water.
Which tube is inserted with an endoscope for long-term feeding?
Answer: PEG tube (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy).
What type of IV line goes into a vein close to the heart for long-term therapy?
Answer: Central line (or PICC).
What is the purpose of incentive spirometry?
Answer: Improve lung function, prevent pneumonia/atelectasis.
Why is frequent oral hygiene important for clients with artificial airways?
Answer: Prevent infection, comfort, and clear secretions.
What is postural drainage used for?
Positioning client so secretions can drain by gravity from lungs.
Name 2 common comfort measures for clients with NG tubes.
Answer: Oral hygiene, lip lubrication, cleaning nose, hard candy/gum (if permitted).
What is the PSW’s role in IV care? (Name 2 examples)
Answer: Observe for complications, assist with hygiene/ADLs, ensure tubing isn’t kinked, report issues.
In Mrs. Carter’s case (Day 5 scenario), list two unsafe practices you observed.
Answer: Tubing stretched across floor, space heater beside chair, smoking in room, dirty/dusty concentrator filter, increased laboured breathing.
What does suctioning do, and why is it risky?
Answer: Removes secretions blocking airway; risky because it may cause hypoxia or complications if done incorrectly.
What specimen is collected to check for microbes or abnormal lung cells?
Answer: Sputum specimen.