A client is receiving continuous enteral nutrition through a nasogastric small-bore silicone feeding tube. What should the nurse plan for when this client has a computed tomography (CT) scan ordered?

Choice A reason: Myocardial infarction (MI) is not limited to occurrences with exertion. While stable angina typically occurs during physical activity or emotional stress, MI can happen at any time, even at rest. The underlying cause of an MI is the complete blockage of blood supply to a part of the heart muscle, usually due to a blood clot in a coronary artery. This blockage can lead to the death of heart muscle tissue, a condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Choice B reason: Stable angina does not typically last for more than 30 minutes. It is characterized by chest pain or discomfort that occurs predictably with exertion or emotional stress and is relieved within minutes by rest or nitroglycerin. In contrast, the pain from an MI is more prolonged and severe, and it is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. If chest discomfort lasts longer than 15 minutes and is not alleviated by rest or nitroglycerin, it is a warning sign that the individual may be experiencing an MI.

Choice C reason: This is the distinguishing feature between stable angina and an MI. Stable angina is usually relieved within 3-5 minutes by rest or nitroglycerin, which helps to dilate the coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart muscle. Nitroglycerin is ineffective in relieving the symptoms of an MI because the problem is not just reduced blood flow but a complete blockage that nitroglycerin cannot overcome.

Choice D reason: The pain associated with an MI typically lasts for more than 15 minutes and can be quite severe. Unlike stable angina, the pain of an MI is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. The duration and severity of the pain, along with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness, help differentiate an MI from stable angina.

Choice A reason:Labeling the feeding bag with the date and time is important for tracking, but it is not the first action to take. The priority is to ensure that the NG tube is correctly placed and the stomach contents can be aspirated to verify placement before administering the feeding.

Choice B reason:Aspirating the client's stomach contents is the first action the nurse should take. This is to confirm the correct placement of the NG tube to prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia. It is a critical step before starting any enteral feeding.

Choice C reason: Hanging the feeding bag 30 cm (12 inches) above the client is necessary for gravity feeding, but it comes after verifying the NG tube placement through aspiration of stomach contents.

Choice D reason:Warming the feeding to room temperature is a comfort measure and helps to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort. However, it is not the first action to take. The priority is to check the tube placement.