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).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B"]
Explanation
Correct answer: B
A. Check the gastric residual every 8 hr:
Explanation:It is generally recommended to check gastric residuals more frequently than every 8 hours, often every 4-6 hours, especially in the initial stages of continuous enteral feedings, to monitor tolerance and prevent complications such as aspiration.
B. Change the feeding bag every 24 hr:
Explanation: Changing the feeding bag and tubing at regular intervals helps prevent bacterial contamination and maintain aseptic technique. The frequency of bag changes is typically scheduled every 24 hours or according to facility protocols.
C. Flush the tube with sterile sodium chloride solution every 2 hr:
Explanation:While it is important to flush the feeding tube regularly to maintain patency, using sterile water is typically recommended unless there is a specific clinical indication for sterile sodium chloride. The frequency of flushing (usually every 4-6 hours for continuous feeding) should be determined based on the institution's protocol and the client's specific needs.
D. Position the head of the client's bed at 15 degrees:
Explanation:To reduce the risk of aspiration, the head of the bed should be elevated to at least 30-45 degrees during enteral feedings, not just 15 degrees. Elevating the head of the bed helps prevent reflux and aspiration.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Intact skin with localized erythema:
Explanation: This description is more consistent with a stage 1 pressure injury, where there is non-blanchable erythema.
B. Full thickness skin loss with visible bone:
Explanation: This description is more consistent with a stage 4 pressure injury, which involves extensive tissue loss, including exposure of bone.
C. Full thickness skin loss with visible adipose tissue:
Explanation: This finding is characteristic of a stage 3 pressure injury, where the loss of tissue extends down to the subcutaneous layer.
D. Partial-thickness skin loss with red tissue in the wound bed:
Explanation: This description is consistent with a stage 2 pressure injury, where there is partial-thickness skin loss involving the epidermis and possibly the dermis, forming a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed.
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