A nurse is checking for the proper placement of a feeding tube. Which of the following methods is the most reliable for verification of tube placement?

Choice A Reason :

Increased peripheral circulation is incorrect. As people age, changes in the cardiovascular system can occur, but increased peripheral circulation isn't a common physiological change. In fact, aging might lead to reduced elasticity in blood vessels, potentially resulting in decreased circulation to some areas.

Choice B Reason:

Increased saliva production is incorrect: Saliva production doesn't usually increase with age. Instead, certain medications, medical conditions, or treatments might impact saliva production. Aging itself doesn't commonly cause an increase in saliva production; in fact, it can decrease due to changes in salivary glands.

Choice C Reason:

Increased constipation is correct. As individuals age, there can be changes in gastrointestinal motility and muscle tone, which can contribute to an increased likelihood of constipation.

Choice D Reason:

Decreased muscle mass is correct. Aging often leads to a natural decline in muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia, which can affect mobility and overall physical function.

Choice E Reason:

Decreased cough reflex is correct. With aging, the cough reflex might become less sensitive or effective, which can impact the ability to clear the airways efficiently.

Choice A Reason:

Verifying the bilirubin level of the tube contents is incorrect. Measuring bilirubin levels in the tube contents is not a standard or reliable method for confirming tube placement. It's not an established or recommended technique for this purpose.

Choice B Reason:

Auscultating for air insufflation is incorrect. Auscultation for air insufflation involves injecting air into the tube and listening for bubbling sounds over the stomach area. While this method is commonly used, it can sometimes yield inconsistent or inconclusive results, especially in patients with certain conditions or situations where air movement might not be detectable.

Choice C Reason:

Request a chest x-ray is correct. Obtaining a chest x-ray is the most reliable method to confirm the placement of a feeding tube, especially when the tube is newly inserted or if there are any doubts about its location. A chest x-ray can accurately visualize the position of the tube within the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring it is in the intended location before any feedings or medications are administered.

Choice D Reason:

Checking the pH level of gastric contents is incorrect. Measuring the pH level of aspirated gastric contents can provide information about the acidity of the fluid, indicating gastric placement (pH below 5) in most cases. However, the pH can be influenced by various factors like medications, enteral feeding solutions, or certain medical conditions, making it less reliable than a chest x-ray for definitive confirmation of tube placement.