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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Dietary restrictions will not eventually allow the intake of gluten to resume. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and some oats. It causes damage to the small intestine in people with celiac disease. The only treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong gluten-free diet.
Choice B reason: This condition may cause secondary lactose intolerance. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products. It is broken down by an enzyme called lactase in the small intestine. People with celiac disease may have reduced levels of lactase due to the damage to the small intestine caused by gluten. This can lead to lactose intolerance, which is the inability to digest lactose properly. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after consuming dairy products.
Choice C reason: Nutritional therapy for this condition does not include limiting proteins and calories. People with celiac disease need adequate amounts of proteins and calories to maintain their health and prevent malnutrition. They also need to ensure that they get enough vitamins, minerals, and fiber from gluten-free sources.
Choice D reason: A normal diet cannot resume after a period of remission. Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that does not have a cure. Even if the symptoms improve or disappear, the damage to the small intestine can still occur if gluten is consumed. Therefore, a strict gluten-free diet must be followed for life.
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