A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a toddler who is receiving intermittent enteral feedings. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

A. Pinto beans: Pinto beans are a good source of protein, but they are not considered a complete protein. They lack some of the essential amino acids, although they can be paired with other foods (like rice) to form a complete protein.
B. Peanut butter: Peanut butter is a good source of protein, but like pinto beans, it is not a complete protein. It lacks some essential amino acids, and while it can be part of a balanced diet, it does not provide all the necessary amino acids on its own.
C. Eggs: Eggs are an excellent source of complete protein because they contain all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. They are considered one of the best sources of high-quality, complete protein.
D. Broccoli: While broccoli contains some protein, it is not a complete protein. It provides some essential amino acids, but not all nine, so it does not qualify as a complete protein source on its own.

A. Maintain the child in a supine position: The child should not be in a supine (lying flat) position during enteral feedings, as this increases the risk of aspiration. The child should be positioned upright or at least 30 to 45 degrees to reduce this risk.
B. Discard gastric residuals prior to each feeding: While it is important to check gastric residuals before each feeding to ensure proper gastric emptying, residuals should not automatically be discarded. Depending on the volume of residuals, the feeding may need to be delayed or adjusted rather than discarded.
C. Warm the feeding in the microwave oven for 15 seconds: Feeding should never be warmed in the microwave because it can cause uneven heating, which could lead to burns. Feedings should be warmed using a safe method, such as a warm water bath, to ensure even temperature.
D. Administer the feeding to the child at 10 mL/min: Administering the feeding at a slow and controlled rate, such as 10 mL/min, is recommended to prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of aspiration. This rate allows the digestive system to process the feeding properly.