A nurse is preparing to administer three medications to a client who is receiving continuous enteral feeding through an NG tube.
Which of the following actions is appropriate for the nurse to take?

Question 1: The correct answer is Choice A - Stabilize the tube by taping it to the infant’s cheek.

Choice A Rationale: Stabilizing the nasogastric tube by taping it to the infant's cheek is crucial to prevent displacement, which could lead to complications such as misplacement into the respiratory tract or discomfort for the infant. Proper securing ensures the tube remains in the intended position, facilitating the safe and effective delivery of nutrients. This action aligns with standard nursing practices to promote patient safety and comfort during enteral feedings.

Choice B Rationale: Option B suggests positioning the infant in a supine position during feedings, which is incorrect. Placing the infant in a supine position increases the risk of aspiration due to the potential for reflux. Instead, the infant should be positioned upright or semi-upright with the head elevated to minimize the risk of regurgitation and aspiration.

Choice C Rationale: Aspiration of residual fluid from the infant's stomach and discarding it (Option C) is not recommended practice. Aspirated gastric contents should be measured and assessed for volume and color to evaluate gastrointestinal function and potential complications. Discarding the aspirate without evaluation could lead to the oversight of important clinical indicators or abnormalities in the infant's condition.

Choice D Rationale: Microwaving the infant's formula to a temperature of 41°C (105.8°F) (Option D) is an incorrect practice. Heating formula in a microwave can result in uneven temperature distribution, creating hot spots that may cause burns to the infant's delicate oral mucosa or esophagus. The preferred method for warming formula is to use a water bath or bottle warmer to achieve a consistent temperature close to body temperature (around 37°C or 98.6°F).

The correct answer is B.

Choice A reason: Avoid preparing medications for more than two clients at one time is a guideline aimed at reducing the risk of medication errors. However, it is not an absolute rule and may vary depending on the setting and resources available.

Choice B reason: Inform clients about the action of each medication prior to administration. This practice is essential for patient education, ensuring that patients are informed about what medications they are taking and why, which can improve adherence and outcomes.

Choice C reason: Reading medication labels at least two times prior to administration is a good practice to avoid errors, but it is not always specified as a standard requirement in medication administration guidelines.

Choice D reason: Completing an incident report if a client vomits after taking a medication is necessary only if the vomiting is related to an adverse drug reaction or a medication error, not for routine vomiting.