A nurse is preparing to administer several medications via NG tube to a client who is receiving continuous tube feeding.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Dilute each crushed medication with sterile water.
Combine the medications with the formula in the feeding bag.
Flush the NG tube with 5 mL of sterile water prior to administration.
Mix the medications together in a single syringe.
The Correct Answer is A
When administering multiple medications via an NG tube, each medication should be prepared separately by crushing (if appropriate) and diluting it with sterile water. This method helps prevent drug interactions, ensures that medications are adequately dissolved, and minimizes the risk of clogging the tube.
Choice B is wrong because medications should not be combined with the formula in the feeding bag.
Choice C is wrong because the NG tube should be flushed with at least 15 to 30 mL of water before and after drug delivery.
Choice D is wrong because each medication should be administered separately when it is being given at the same time.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Change the tubing set every 72 hr:Continuous enteral feeding tubing sets should generally be changed every 24 hours to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. Changing every 72 hours is too long and increases infection risk.
B. Aspirate residual volume every 4 hr:Aspiration of residual volume every 4 hours is standard practice when providing continuous enteral feedings. This ensures the client is tolerating the feedings and helps prevent aspiration or overfeeding. Large residual volumes may indicate poor gastric emptying.
C. Flush the tubing with 10 mL of water every 2 hr:The tubing should be flushed with 30 mL of water every 4-6 hours (depending on protocol), not just 10 mL, to maintain tube patency and prevent clogging.
D. Heat the formula to 40.5° C (105° F):Formula should not be heated to such a high temperature. It should be administered at room temperature to avoid discomfort and potential damage to the gastrointestinal tract.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should first auscultate the client’s bowel sounds.
This will provide important information about the client’s gastrointestinal function and can help determine the cause of the client’s symptoms.
Choice A is wrong because while offering pain medication may provide temporary relief, it does not address the underlying cause of the client’s symptoms.
Choice C is wrong because palpating the abdomen before auscultating bowel sounds can alter the bowel sounds and make it more difficult to accurately assess the client’s condition.
Choice D is wrong because administering an antiemetic may provide temporary relief from nausea and vomiting, but it does not address the underlying cause of the client’s symptoms.
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