What action should the nurse take before starting an enteral feeding using a newly inserted nasogastric feeding tube?

Choice A rationale
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a protein used as a tumor marker, particularly for cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. It is not directly related to volume depletion caused by gastrointestinal illnesses.
Choice B rationale
B12 level is important for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells. It is not directly related to volume depletion caused by gastrointestinal illnesses.
Choice C rationale
Electrolyte imbalance is the correct answer. Gastrointestinal illnesses often cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to significant loss of fluids and electrolytes.
Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial in these cases to prevent complications related to volume depletion.

Choice D rationale
Hemoglobin level is an indicator of the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in the blood. While it is an important lab value, it is not the most relevant in the context of volume depletion due to gastrointestinal illnesses.

Choice A rationale
High hemoglobin is not typically a symptom of a perforated peptic ulcer. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. While changes in hemoglobin levels can indicate various health conditions, they are not directly associated with a perforated peptic ulcer.
Choice B rationale
Yellowing of the skin, or jaundice, is a symptom typically associated with liver disease, not a perforated peptic ulcer. Jaundice occurs when there’s too much bilirubin, a yellow-orange substance, in your blood.
Choice C rationale
Acute, sharp, and severe abdominal pain is a common symptom of a perforated peptic ulcer. A perforated peptic ulcer is a medical emergency that occurs when an ulcer goes through all the layers of the stomach or duodenum wall, creating a hole. This allows stomach or intestinal contents to leak into the abdominal cavity, causing severe abdominal pain.

Choice D rationale
High hematocrit is not typically a symptom of a perforated peptic ulcer. Hematocrit is the proportion of your total blood volume that is composed of red blood cells. While changes in hematocrit levels can indicate various health conditions, they are not directly associated with a perforated peptic ulcer. Dumping syndromeDumping syndrome Explore