A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving enteral tube feedings of a diluted formula. Which of the following complications of enteral tube feeding should the nurse identify as a reason to administer diluted feedings to clients?
Electrolyte imbalances
Diarrhea
Constipation
Delayed gastric emptying
The Correct Answer is B
A. Electrolyte imbalances
Administering diluted enteral feedings is not typically done to address electrolyte imbalances. Instead, monitoring the electrolyte levels in the patient's blood and adjusting the content of the enteral formula (such as adjusting the concentration of electrolytes) would be more appropriate.
B. Diarrhea
Administering diluted enteral feedings is a strategy that may be employed to prevent or manage diarrhea. High concentrations of nutrients can overwhelm the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhea. Diluting the formula helps reduce the risk of this complication.
C. Constipation
Administering diluted enteral feedings is not typically done to address constipation. Management of constipation is more commonly achieved through adjustments in fiber intake, fluid intake, and medications as needed.
D. Delayed gastric emptying
Administering diluted enteral feedings is not a standard approach for addressing delayed gastric emptying. Instead, adjustments in the rate of enteral feedings or specific interventions for delayed gastric emptying, such as medication or changes in positioning, would be considered.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. To help the nurse validate the client’s reports of pain
This option suggests that the nurse's actions (straightening bed linens, rubbing the back, assisting with repositioning) are intended to assess or confirm the client's reports of pain. However, these actions are more aligned with providing comfort and assistance with activities of daily living rather than specifically assessing pain. If the client reports pain related to the chest tube, a more focused assessment and intervention would be needed.
B. To increase positive pressure in the chest
This option implies that the nurse's actions could somehow influence the positive pressure in the client's chest, which is not accurate. Positive pressure in the chest is usually related to mechanical ventilation or specific medical interventions. The described actions are more related to comfort and assistance with daily activities.
C. To assist the client with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)
This is the most appropriate choice. The nurse's actions, such as straightening bed linens, rubbing the back, and assisting with repositioning, align with providing support for the client's daily activities and overall well-being.
D. To modify the client’s perception of pain
This option suggests that the nurse's actions are aimed at altering the client's perception of pain. While comfort measures can contribute to pain management, these specific actions are not typically used to modify perception. If pain is a concern, more direct pain management strategies and assessments would be appropriate.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. “I will keep my baby’s head slightly elevated during the feeding.”
This statement is correct. Keeping the baby's head slightly elevated during feeding can help prevent ear infections (otitis media) and is a recommended practice.
B. “I will hold my baby close to me while feeding.”
Holding the baby close during feeding promotes bonding and is generally considered a good practice for both bottle-feeding and breastfeeding.
C. “Each feeding should last about 15 minutes.”
This statement indicates a need for further teaching. The duration of a feeding can vary among infants, and it's not advisable to put a strict time limit on each feeding. It's important to follow the baby's cues and allow for individual variations in feeding patterns.
D. “Propping a bottle can cause otitis media.”
This statement is correct. Propping a bottle can lead to ear infections (otitis media) and is not a safe or recommended practice. The baby should be held during feedings to prevent these issues.
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