A nurse is administering continuous enteral feedings for a client through a percutaneous esophageal gastrostomy (PEG) tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Check gastric residuals every 8 hr.
Return gastric contents if residual is less than 250 mL.
Measure the pH of gastric residual every 24 hr.
Flush the tube with 15 mL of water every 4 hr.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Checking gastric residuals every 8 hr is not frequent enough, as it can miss signs of delayed gastric emptying, which can cause aspiration, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal distension. Gastric residuals should be checked every 4 hr.
Choice B reason: Returning gastric contents if residual is less than 250 mL is not advisable, as it can increase the risk of infection, contamination, or electrolyte imbalance. Gastric contents should be discarded if residual is more than 100 mL.
Choice C reason: Measuring the pH of gastric residual every 24 hr is not necessary, as it does not reflect the effectiveness or tolerance of the feeding. The pH of gastric residual should be checked before each feeding or every 6 to 8 hr to confirm tube placement and prevent misconnection.
Choice D reason: Flushing the tube with 15 mL of water every 4 hr is a correct action, as it can prevent clogging, maintain patency, and clear the tube of formula residue. Water should also be used to flush the tube before and after each medication administration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Feedings should not be accompanied by nonnutritive sucking. Nonnutritive sucking is the act of sucking on a pacifier, finger, or other object without getting any nutrition. Nonnutritive sucking can interfere with the establishment of breastfeeding, cause nipple confusion, and reduce milk supply.
Choice B reason: Feedings should be on demand. On demand feeding means feeding the newborn whenever they show signs of hunger, such as rooting, sucking, or crying. On demand feeding helps the newborn regulate their appetite, meet their nutritional needs, and bond with their caregiver.
Choice C reason: Feedings should not begin within 1 hr after birth. This instruction is applicable for breastfeeding, not bottle feeding. Breastfeeding should begin within 1 hr after birth to initiate milk production, stimulate uterine contractions, and transfer colostrum to the newborn. Bottle feeding can be delayed until the newborn is stable and alert.
Choice D reason: Feedings may not occur in clusters. Cluster feeding means feeding the newborn more frequently and for longer periods of time during certain times of the day or night. Cluster feeding is common in breastfed newborns, especially during growth spurts or developmental leaps. Bottle fed newborns may not exhibit cluster feeding, as they tend to have more consistent and predictable feeding patterns.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A pump is usually needed to administer intermittent tube feedings, as it can control the flow rate and volume of the formula. A pump can also prevent overfeeding, aspiration, or diarrhea.
Choice B reason: Administering feedings over 10 to 20 minutes is too fast, as it can cause abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, or dumping syndrome. Intermittent tube feedings should be administered over 30 to 60 minutes.
Choice C reason: Administering feedings while sleeping at night is not recommended, as it can increase the risk of aspiration, reflux, or infection. Intermittent tube feedings should be administered during waking hours and with the head of the bed elevated at least 30 degrees.
Choice D reason: Advancing the rate of feedings slowly is advisable, as it can help the body adjust to the formula and prevent intolerance or complications. The rate should be increased gradually until the desired goal is reached.
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