A nurse is providing site care for a child who a gastrostomy enteral tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) Encourage the family to be with the child during mealtimes: While family support during mealtimes can be helpful, it is not the first priority in this situation. The most important step is to understand the child’s dietary habits and challenges in order to create a more targeted and effective approach to addressing the poor dietary intake.

B) Obtain the child’s dietary history: The first step should be to gather information about the child’s dietary history. Understanding what the child is eating, how often, and any potential barriers to proper nutrition (e.g., food preferences, allergies, or cultural practices) is crucial for identifying the root cause of the poor dietary intake. This information will guide the nurse in making appropriate recommendations for improving the child's nutrition.

C) Instruct the family to praise the child when they eat: While positive reinforcement can be a useful strategy, it is not the first step in addressing poor dietary intake. The nurse needs to assess the child’s dietary habits and any possible issues before recommending specific behavioral strategies.

D) Offer the child nutritious snacks between meals: Offering nutritious snacks is a good strategy for improving a child’s nutrition, but it should come after gathering a clear understanding of the child’s eating habits. Without knowing the child’s preferences and needs, it’s better to first assess and identify the cause of the poor intake before recommending snacks.

A) Drain the tub water before the client gets out: Draining the water before the client gets out of the tub is the safest option. This helps prevent the risk of slipping or falling, as the water level will lower once the client begins to stand. Additionally, it ensures that the client can safely exit the tub without the danger of being unbalanced or disoriented by the water.

B) Check on the client every 10 min during the bath: While monitoring the client during the bath is important, checking every 10 minutes may not be frequent enough to ensure their safety, especially for clients who have mobility or cognitive issues. Ideally, the nurse should stay with or observe the client more closely or provide assistance if needed. Continuous supervision is preferred, particularly if the client is at risk for falls or other complications.

C) Add bath oil to the water after the client gets into the tub: Bath oils can create a slippery surface, which could increase the risk of falls or accidents. It's generally better to avoid adding oils to the bath water, as they can make the tub and the client’s skin slick, posing safety hazards. If oil is necessary for skin care, it should be applied to the skin after the bath, not in the water.

D) Allow the client to remain in the bath for 30 min: While the client may enjoy a bath, staying in the tub for too long can lead to skin irritation, dehydration, or overheating, especially for older adults or clients with medical conditions. The client should not stay in the water for prolonged periods. A typical recommendation would be to allow the bath to last about 10-20 minutes, depending on the client’s condition and safety.