A nurse is administering medications to a client receiving tube feedings through a gastrostomy tube. The correct procedure for administration is to: (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
crush each tablet and mix with 20-30 mL of water or saline.
use liquid medications when available.
mix all medications, dilute with water and give them together.
flush tube before beginning medication administration with 20-30 mL of water or saline.
add medications directly to the tube feeding formula.
Correct Answer : B,D
B. Liquid medications are generally preferred for administration through a feeding tube, as they do not require crushing or dissolving and can be easily administered. Using liquid medications reduces the risk of tube occlusion and ensures accurate dosing. Therefore, this procedure is appropriate for medications available in liquid form.
D. Flushing the tube before medication administration helps ensure patency and clears any residual feeding formula or medication from the tube. This step is essential to prevent clogging of the tube and ensure that the medication reaches the stomach or intestines. Therefore, flushing the tube with water or saline before medication administration is a standard procedure.
A. Crushing tablets and mixing them with water or saline can help ensure that the medication is in a form that can be administered through the gastrostomy tube. However, not all tablets are suitable for crushing, as some medications may have special formulations or coatings that should not be crushed.
Therefore, this procedure is appropriate for medications that are safe to crush and administer via a feeding tube.
C. Mixing medications can potentially alter their effectiveness or stability, so it is essential to follow guidelines and recommendations for medication administration through feeding tubes.
E. Adding medications directly to the tube feeding formula may be appropriate for certain medications that are compatible with the formula and do not require separate administration. However, not all medications can be safely mixed with feeding formula, as some medications may interact with the formula components or become less effective.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. In metabolic acidosis, the pH would be low (acidemic) and the HCO3 level would be below the normal range. In the provided ABG results, the pH is low (acidemic) and the HCO3 level is below the normal range, indicating metabolic acidosis.
A. In respiratory alkalosis, the pH would be elevated (alkalotic) and the PaCO2 would be below the normal range (hypocapnia). However, in the provided ABG results, the pH is low (acidemia) rather than high, ruling out respiratory alkalosis.
B. In respiratory acidosis, the pH would be low (acidemic) and the PaCO2 would be above the normal range (hypercapnia). However, in the provided ABG results, the PaCO2 is within the normal range, ruling out respiratory acidosis.
C. In metabolic alkalosis, the pH would be elevated (alkalotic) and the HCO3 level would be above the normal range. However, in the provided ABG results, the pH is low (acidemic) and the HCO3 level is below the normal range, ruling out metabolic alkalosis.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Positioning the primary IV solution bag higher than the piggyback medication bag creates a pressure gradient, allowing the primary solution to infuse first. Once the primary solution has finished, the secondary piggyback medication automatically starts infusing. This setup ensures that the primary solution is fully infused before the piggyback medication begins.
B. Placing the primary IV solution bag lower than the piggyback medication bag is not the standard practice. This setup would create a pressure gradient that could result in the piggyback medication infusing before the primary solution, which is not desirable. It could lead to incomplete infusion of the primary solution and compromise the effectiveness of the treatment.
C. Positioning the primary IV solution bag at the same height as the piggyback bag does not create a pressure gradient for sequential infusion. As a result, both solutions would flow at the same rate, and it would be challenging to control the order of infusion. This setup is not appropriate for administering IV antibiotics via piggyback because it does not ensure the proper sequence of infusion.
D. The height of the IV solution relative to the insertion site is essential for proper infusion and preventing complications such as infiltration or phlebitis. Ideally, the IV solution should be hung at a height that allows for a gentle flow of fluid into the vein without causing excessive pressure or backflow. Placing the IV solution lower than the insertion site helps facilitate gravity-assisted flow into the vein.
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