A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous enteral nutrition and is experiencing diarrhea. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Warm the formula to room temperature before infusing.
Increase the rate of infusion.
Change to a low-calorie formula if diarrhea persists.
Replace the extension tubing every 48 hr.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Warming the formula to room temperature can help reduce the osmotic load and prevent diarrhea in clients receiving enteral nutrition. Cold formula can also cause abdominal cramping and discomfort.
Choice B reason: Increasing the rate of infusion can worsen diarrhea by increasing the osmotic load and the risk of bacterial overgrowth. The rate of infusion should be adjusted based on the client's tolerance and nutritional needs.
Choice C reason: Changing to a low-calorie formula is not indicated for diarrhea. Low-calorie formulas are usually high in osmolality and can cause more water to be drawn into the intestinal lumen, leading to diarrhea. A low-residue or isotonic formula may be more appropriate.
Choice D reason: Replacing the extension tubing every 48 hr is not enough to prevent diarrhea. The extension tubing should be replaced every 24 hr or with each new container of formula to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination and infection.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Calcium is not a dietary supplement that can help with wound healing, although it is important for bone health and muscle contraction. Calcium deficiency can cause osteoporosis, muscle cramps, and abnormal heart rhythms, but it does not affect wound healing.
Choice B reason: Potassium is not a dietary supplement that can help with wound healing, although it is essential for nerve and muscle function and fluid balance. Potassium deficiency can cause weakness, fatigue, arrhythmias, and muscle cramps, but it does not affect wound healing.
Choice C reason: Vitamin C is a dietary supplement that can help with wound healing, as it is involved in collagen synthesis, tissue repair, and immune response. Vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy, which is characterized by bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and anemia.
Choice D reason: Vitamin D is not a dietary supplement that can help with wound healing, although it is necessary for calcium absorption, bone health, and immune function. Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets, osteomalacia, and increased risk of infections, but it does not affect wound healing.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Confusion and weakness are signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can result from vomiting and diarrhea. These are serious complications that can affect the client's mental status, blood pressure, heart rate, and kidney function. The nurse should report these changes to the provider and monitor the client's vital signs and fluid status.
Choice B reason: Dry oral mucosa and furrowed tongue are also signs of dehydration, but they are less severe than confusion and weakness. The nurse should report these changes to the provider as well, but they are not the most urgent ones.
Choice C reason: Clear lungs bilaterally are a normal finding and do not indicate any change in the client's condition. The nurse should document this finding, but it does not require reporting to the provider.
Choice D reason: A soft and non-tender abdomen is a normal finding and does not indicate any change in the client's condition. The nurse should document this finding, but it does not require reporting to the provider.
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