A nurse is preparing to administer a bolus enteral feeding to a client who has a gastrostomy tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Elevate the head of the bed.
Measure stomach contents.
Return gastric content into the gastrostomy tube.
Flush the tube with water
The Correct Answer is A
Elevating the head of the bed to a semi-Fowler's or high Fowler's position helps prevent aspiration during the feeding. This position facilitates proper digestion and reduces the risk of
regurgitation or reflux. It allows gravity to assist in keeping the feeding in the stomach and reduces the likelihood of complications.
The other actions mentioned are also important steps in the process but should be performed after elevating the head of the bed:
Measure stomach contents: This step is usually done before administering any enteral feeding to check for the presence of residual gastric contents. It helps determine if the client is tolerating previous feedings and guides adjustments in the feeding volume or rate if needed.
Return gastric content into the gastrostomy tube: If there is a significant amount of gastric residual, it is recommended to return the contents into the stomach before administering the feeding. This helps ensure that the client receives the full prescribed amount of the enteral feeding.
Flush the tube with water: Flushing the gastrostomy tube with water before and after the feeding helps maintain tube patency, clears any residual feeding or medication, and prevents clogging.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Cimetidine is a medication known as a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, commonly used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. It works by reducing the production of stomach acid. When teaching a client about cimetidine, it is important to inform them about the timing of taking other medications, specifically antacids.
Antacids, which are used to neutralize stomach acid, can interfere with the absorption of cimetidine if taken simultaneously. Therefore, it is generally recommended to wait at least 1 hour after taking cimetidine before taking an antacid. This allows sufficient time for the cimetidine to be absorbed and start working effectively before neutralizing stomach acid with an antacid.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Sucralfate is a medication used to treat peptic ulcers by forming a protective coating on the stomach lining. It should be taken on an empty stomach, as food can interfere with its absorption and effectiveness. One hour before breakfast and the evening meal is the correct timing for administering sucralfate, allowing for an empty stomach before meals.
At the time the client takes a proton pump inhibitor: Proton pump inhibitors are a different class of medications used to reduce stomach acid production. It is recommended to administer sucralfate separately, as it works differently and has different administration requirements.
Thirty minutes after breakfast and the evening meal: Administering sucralfate after meals is not ideal, as it may not provide the desired therapeutic effect on an empty stomach.
The time the client takes an antacid: Antacids are also different from sucralfate, and they can interfere with its absorption. It is generally recommended to administer sucralfate separately from antacids.
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