A nurse is reviewing complementary therapies approved by the provider with a client who has hypertension. Which of the following supplements should the nurse discuss with the client?

A. Social worker:

While social workers play a vital role in addressing psychosocial needs and connecting clients with community resources, they typically do not have the specialized skills or training to address the physical limitations associated with feeding difficulties due to rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, a referral to a social worker may not directly address the client's need for assistance with feeding.

B. Occupational therapist

Occupational therapists specialize in helping individuals regain or maintain independence in performing activities of daily living (ADLs), including feeding oneself. In the case of a client with severe rheumatoid arthritis in her hands who is unable to feed herself, an occupational therapist can assess the client's abilities, provide interventions such as adaptive equipment or techniques to facilitate feeding, and offer strategies to improve hand function and joint mobility. They can also collaborate with the client and other members of the healthcare team to develop a customized plan of care to address the client's specific needs and goals related to feeding and self-care.

C. Physician assistant:

Physician assistants work closely with physicians to provide medical care and may be involved in diagnosing and managing various health conditions. However, they do not typically provide specialized rehabilitation services or interventions related to activities of daily living such as feeding. Therefore, a referral to a physician assistant may not address the client's specific need for occupational therapy services.

D. Physical therapist:

Physical therapists specialize in restoring mobility, strength, and function, primarily focusing on gross motor skills and movement patterns. While physical therapists may address certain aspects of hand function and mobility, they do not specialize in activities of daily living such as feeding. Therefore, a referral to a physical therapist may not directly address the client's need for assistance with feeding due to severe rheumatoid arthritis in her hands.

A. Check the pH level of the client's gastric contents:

Checking the pH level of gastric contents is not typically necessary before administering intermittent tube feeding. pH testing of gastric contents is more commonly performed for clients with nasogastric tubes to confirm tube placement within the stomach. It is not routinely done before administering tube feeding through a percutaneous gastrostomy tube.

B. Check the patency of the client's tube every 8 hr:

While it is essential to check the patency of the tube regularly, every 8 hours may not be frequent enough, especially for clients receiving intermittent tube feedings. Tube patency should be checked before and after each feeding or medication administration to ensure proper function and prevent complications.

C. Place the client in a supine position:

Placing the client in a supine position is not specifically indicated for administering intermittent tube feedings. The client's position during tube feeding administration depends on individual factors such as comfort, mobility, and risk of aspiration. The nurse should position the client in a semi-upright or upright position (typically at a 30-45 degree angle) to reduce the risk of aspiration.

D. Flush the client's tube with 5 mL of water.

Flushing the client's tube with water helps ensure its patency and removes any residual feeding solution or gastric contents, reducing the risk of clogging and infection. Flushing with 5 mL of water is a common practice to maintain tube patency and should be done before and after each feeding and medication administration.