A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a family member about how to position a client when administering enteral feedings at home. Which of the following statements from the family member should the nurse identify as an indication that he understands the instructions?

Correct answer: B

A. Check the gastric residual every 8 hr:
Explanation:It is generally recommended to check gastric residuals more frequently than every 8 hours, often every 4-6 hours, especially in the initial stages of continuous enteral feedings, to monitor tolerance and prevent complications such as aspiration.

B. Change the feeding bag every 24 hr:
Explanation: Changing the feeding bag and tubing at regular intervals helps prevent bacterial contamination and maintain aseptic technique. The frequency of bag changes is typically scheduled every 24 hours or according to facility protocols.

C. Flush the tube with sterile sodium chloride solution every 2 hr:
Explanation:While it is important to flush the feeding tube regularly to maintain patency, using sterile water is typically recommended unless there is a specific clinical indication for sterile sodium chloride. The frequency of flushing (usually every 4-6 hours for continuous feeding) should be determined based on the institution's protocol and the client's specific needs.

D. Position the head of the client's bed at 15 degrees:
Explanation:To reduce the risk of aspiration, the head of the bed should be elevated to at least 30-45 degrees during enteral feedings, not just 15 degrees. Elevating the head of the bed helps prevent reflux and aspiration.

A. To confirm the placement of the NG tube:
Confirming NG tube placement is typically done using other methods, such as auscultation of air insufflation, pH testing, or X-ray. Gastric residual measurement helps assess the status of the stomach content but is not the primary method for confirming tube placement.

B. To determine the client's electrolyte balance:
While the gastric contents do contain electrolytes, the primary purpose of measuring gastric residual is to assess gastric emptying and potential feeding intolerance. It is not the most accurate method for determining overall electrolyte balance.

C. To identify delayed gastric emptying:
This is the correct and primary purpose. Measuring gastric residual helps in identifying if there's a delay in the stomach emptying the previously administered feeding, which can inform the nurse about the client's tolerance to enteral nutrition.

D. To remove gastric acid that might cause dyspepsia:
The process of measuring gastric residual doesn't involve removing gastric acid. It's more about assessing how much of the previously administered feeding remains in the stomach. If there's a high residual volume, it may suggest delayed emptying or feeding intolerance. The focus is on adjusting the feeding plan rather than removing gastric acid.