A nurse is caring for a client in a long-term care facility who is receiving enteral feedings via an NG tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take prior to administering the tube feeding?
Assist the client to low Fowler's position.
Warm the feeding solution to body temperature.
Discard any residual gastric contents.
Test the pH of gastric aspirate.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Assist the client to low Fowler's position:
Placing the client in a semi-upright or low Fowler's position during and after the feeding helps prevent aspiration and facilitates digestion. This position reduces the risk of regurgitation and reflux.
B. Warm the feeding solution to body temperature:
Ensuring the feeding solution is at room temperature or slightly warmer can enhance the client's comfort and reduce the risk of cramping or discomfort caused by cold fluids.
C. Discard any residual gastric contents:
Before initiating a new feeding, it's essential to check and discard any residual gastric contents from the previous feeding to prevent contamination, ensure accurate measurement, and minimize the risk of bacterial growth.
D. Test the pH of gastric aspirate:
Checking the pH of gastric aspirate is an important step to confirm the proper placement of the NG tube in the stomach. Gastric pH is typically acidic (pH less than 5), indicating the correct placement of the tube in the stomach rather than the respiratory tract, where the pH is higher (more alkaline).
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Bradycardia:
Explanation: Bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate. In hypervolemia (fluid overload), the heart often compensates by increasing the heart rate rather than causing bradycardia.
B. Oliguria:
Explanation: Oliguria refers to decreased urine output. In hypervolemia, the increased fluid volume can lead to increased urine output rather than oliguria.
C. Peripheral Edema:
Explanation: Peripheral edema, or swelling in the extremities, is a common manifestation of hypervolemia. Excess fluid can accumulate in the tissues.
D. Hypotension:
Explanation: Hypertension, not hypotension, is more commonly associated with hypervolemia. The increased volume of fluid in the blood vessels can lead to elevated blood pressure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Flush the tube with water:
This is the correct action to take first. Flushing the tube with water ensures that the tube is clear and functional before administering the bolus enteral feeding.
B. Measure stomach contents:
This is not the first action to take. Before measuring stomach contents, it's important to confirm that the tube is patent and clear by flushing it with water.
C. Elevate the head of the bed:
While elevating the head of the bed is important during and after enteral feedings to reduce the risk of aspiration, it is not the first step. The initial focus should be on verifying the tube's patency.
D. Return gastric content into the gastrostomy tube:
If there is resistance or difficulty flushing the tube, returning gastric contents into the tube may be necessary, but it's not the first action. The first step is to attempt to clear the tube with water.
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