The nurse recognizes that the appropriate rationale for using an IV infusion pump for a client is to:

A. Gradual tapering of benzodiazepines under medical supervision is recommended to minimize withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia. The client should continue taking the medication as prescribed while discussing a tapering plan with their physician.
B. Abruptly stopping benzodiazepines can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including rebound insomnia, anxiety, agitation, and even seizures. Planning to stop medication on a specific day without medical guidance can increase the risk of withdrawal symptoms occurring during the workweek.

C. While it may be challenging to sleep without benzodiazepines initially, continued use can lead to dependence and tolerance, making it even more challenging to discontinue them in the future. Gradual tapering under medical supervision is the preferred approach.
D. Antihistamines are not typically used as substitutes for benzodiazepines in managing insomnia. Additionally, abruptly stopping benzodiazepines and switching to another medication without medical guidance can lead to withdrawal symptoms and inadequate management of insomnia.

C. This is a critical initial step before administering enteral feedings. Aspirating stomach contents helps confirm the placement of the nasogastric tube in the stomach rather than the respiratory tract. Checking the pH of the aspirate can further confirm gastric placement, as gastric fluid typically has an acidic pH (usually less than 5). This step ensures that the feeding will be delivered to the correct location, minimizing the risk of aspiration.
A. While it's important for the formula to be at an appropriate temperature for administration to prevent discomfort or complications such as cramping, this is not typically the first action to take. It can be done concurrently with other preparatory steps.
B. Proper labeling of the feeding container is essential for patient safety and adherence to institutional policies. However, this is not the first action to be completed. It's usually done after preparing the feeding and confirming the tube placement.
D. Assessing residual volume involves checking for any residual contents in the stomach from previous feedings. This step helps determine how much of the previous feeding remains in the stomach and whether it's safe to administer the next feeding. However, it typically follows confirming tube placement, as it's essential to know the tube is in the correct position before assessing residual volume.