A nurse is preparing to administer a nasogastric (NG) tube feeding to a school-age child. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A. Apply a transparent dressing to the wound. Transparent dressings are not appropriate for active bleeding as they are too thin and do not absorb blood or provide compression to control hemorrhage.
B. Irrigate the wound with sterile water. Wound irrigation is not a priority when a client is actively bleeding. Controlling the bleeding takes precedence over cleaning the wound.
C. Apply direct pressure to the wound with thick dressing material. Direct pressure is the first-line intervention to control external bleeding. Applying firm pressure with a thick dressing helps compress the blood vessels and minimize blood loss.
D. Tie a tourniquet around the leg distal to the wound. A tourniquet should be applied proximal (above) the wound if needed and only after direct pressure fails to control the bleeding. Applying it distal is ineffective and potentially harmful.

A. Measure the tubing from the nose to the distal port. Proper placement of an NG tube requires measuring from the tip of the nose to the earlobe, then to the xiphoid process. This ensures the tube reaches the stomach without curling or entering the airway.
B. Position the child at a 10 to 20 angle after feeding. A head elevation of at least 30 to 45 degrees is necessary during and after NG feedings to reduce the risk of aspiration. A 10 to 20 degree angle is too low and unsafe for post-feeding positioning.
C. Complete the feeding in 5 min. NG feedings should be given slowly over 20 to 30 minutes to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort, cramping, or vomiting. A 5-minute infusion is too rapid and may overwhelm the child’s digestive capacity.
D. Warm the formula in the microwave. Microwaving formula can lead to uneven heating and hot spots, which pose a burn risk to the child. Formula should be warmed by placing the container in warm water and testing the temperature before administration.