A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for oxygen at 7 L/min via a simple face mask. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure client safety?

The correct answer is Choice A - Measure the client's gastric residual before each feeding.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse's first action in caring for a client receiving intermittent enteral feedings should be to measure the client's gastric residual before each feeding. Gastric residual volume helps assess the client's tolerance to enteral feedings and can indicate delayed gastric emptying or potential complications like aspiration. If the residual volume is high, the nurse can collaborate with the healthcare team to determine whether to hold the feeding, adjust the feeding rate, or take other appropriate actions to ensure the client's safety and optimal nutritional status.

Choice B rationale:

Changing the enteral feeding bag and tubing every 24 hours is important to maintain the sterility and integrity of the feeding system. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take. The priority is to assess the client's tolerance to the feeding by measuring gastric residuals, which helps prevent complications.

Choice C rationale:

Documenting intake and output is a crucial aspect of nursing care for all clients, including those receiving enteral feedings. However, in the context of intermittent enteral feedings, measuring gastric residuals before each feeding is a more immediate and specific action to ensure the client's safety and well-being.

Choice D rationale:

Flushing the tubing with 30 mL of water after each feeding is important to prevent clogging and maintain the patency of the enteral feeding tube. However, this action is secondary to measuring gastric residuals, which directly assesses the client's tolerance to the feedings and helps prevent complications.

The correct answer is: B. Latex.

Choice A reason: Allergy to eggs is primarily a concern when it comes to vaccinations, such as the influenza vaccine, which may contain egg protein. In the context of IV therapy, egg allergies are not typically associated with direct contraindications or precautions. However, it’s important to note that some medications or vaccines may contain egg proteins, which could be relevant in certain medical procedures, but not usually in standard IV therapy.

Choice B reason: Latex allergies are particularly relevant in a hospital setting where latex is commonly found in various medical supplies, including gloves, catheters, and IV tubing. A latex allergy can cause severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of a patient’s latex allergy to avoid exposure during medical procedures, including IV therapy.

Choice C reason: Seafood allergies are generally related to the ingestion of seafood and do not typically pose a risk in the context of IV therapy. The concern about iodine in contrast media, which is sometimes mistakenly linked to seafood allergies, is not relevant to standard IV therapy solutions.

Choice D reason: Bee sting allergies are significant when a patient is exposed to bee venom, which can cause anaphylaxis. In the context of IV therapy, a bee sting allergy is not typically a concern unless the therapy involves venom immunotherapy or the patient has had a recent bee sting that might complicate their medical condition.