A nurse is caring for a client who has a gastrostomy tube and is receiving enteral nutrition. The nurse should identify that which of the following complications represents the greatest risk to the client?
Abdominal distention
Fluid overload
Glycosuria
Tube obstruction
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Abdominal distention is a possible complication of enteral nutrition, as it may indicate gas accumulation, constipation, or intolerance to the formula. However, it is not the greatest risk to the client, as it can be prevented or managed by adjusting the formula, rate, or volume of the feeding, or by administering medications or enemas.
Choice B reason: Fluid overload is a possible complication of enteral nutrition, as it may indicate excessive fluid intake, renal impairment, or heart failure. However, it is not the greatest risk to the client, as it can be prevented or managed by monitoring the fluid balance, electrolytes, and vital signs, or by administering diuretics or fluid restriction.
Choice C reason: Glycosuria is a possible complication of enteral nutrition, as it may indicate hyperglycemia, diabetes, or infection. However, it is not the greatest risk to the client, as it can be prevented or managed by monitoring the blood glucose, urine output, and signs of infection, or by administering insulin or antibiotics.
Choice D reason: Tube obstruction is the greatest risk to the client, as it may indicate clogging, kinking, or twisting of the tube, which can impair the delivery of the nutrition and medication, and cause aspiration, infection, or perforation. Tube obstruction can be prevented by flushing the tube with water before and after each feeding or medication, and by using a syringe or a pump to administer the formula. Tube obstruction can be managed by using warm water, carbonated beverages, or pancreatic enzymes to unclog the tube, or by replacing the tube if necessary.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Positioning the newborn at a 20-degree angle after feeding can help prevent the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. This position allows gravity to keep the food in the stomach and reduces the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. The nurse should instruct the parent to keep the newborn in this position for at least 30 minutes after each feeding.
Choice B reason: Diluting formula with 1 tablespoon of water is not recommended, as it can cause water intoxication, electrolyte imbalance, and malnutrition in the newborn. Water intoxication can lead to seizures, coma, and death. The nurse should advise the parent to follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparing the formula and not to add extra water.
Choice C reason: Placing the newborn in a side-lying position if vomiting is not a safe practice, as it can increase the risk of aspiration and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Aspiration is when food or liquid enters the lungs and causes pneumonia or respiratory distress. SIDS is when a healthy baby dies suddenly and unexpectedly during sleep. The nurse should instruct the parent to place the newborn on the back for sleeping and to avoid soft bedding, pillows, and stuffed animals.
Choice D reason: Providing a small feeding just before bedtime is not a good idea, as it can worsen the gastroesophageal reflux and disrupt the newborn's sleep. The nurse should suggest the parent to feed the newborn smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day and to avoid feeding the newborn within 2 to 3 hours of bedtime.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Drinking orange juice with iron supplements can increase absorption, not decrease it. Orange juice is rich in vitamin C, which enhances the absorption of non-heme iron, the type of iron found in plant foods and supplements. The nurse should advise the client to take iron supplements with a source of vitamin C, such as orange juice, strawberries, or tomatoes.
Choice B reason: Cooking in a stainless steel skillet does not increase the amount of iron in the food. Stainless steel is not a good conductor of iron and does not leach iron into the food. The nurse should suggest the client to use a cast iron skillet instead, which can add iron to the food, especially acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus fruits.
Choice C reason: Drinking iced tea with meals can decrease the amount of iron absorbed, not increase it. Iced tea contains tannins, which are compounds that bind to iron and inhibit its absorption. The nurse should recommend the client to avoid drinking tea, coffee, or other beverages that contain tannins with meals, and to drink them between meals instead.
Choice D reason: Fish and poultry are primary sources of heme iron, which is the type of iron found in animal foods and is more easily absorbed by the body. The nurse should encourage the client to eat more foods that are high in heme iron, such as fish, poultry, meat, and eggs.
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