A nurse is caring for a client who has a large surgical wound healing by secondary intention. The nurse should recommend a diet high in protein and which of the following nutrients?

A. Inflammation is the first phase of wound healing and typically lasts for 3-5 days. During this phase, the body works to stop the bleeding (hemostasis) and begin the healing process by preventing infection. Signs of inflammation, such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain, are commonly present during this phase.
B. Remodeling phase occurs later, after the wound has begun to heal, typically around 3 weeks after injury and can last for months to a year. It involves strengthening and reorganizing the tissue formed during healing.
C. Maturation is synonymous with the remodeling phase and also occurs after the inflammatory phase. It involves tissue maturation and scar formation.
D. Proliferation is the second phase of wound healing, where new tissue (granulation tissue) forms, and the wound begins to close. This phase follows the inflammatory phase.

A. Assisting the client to a low Fowler's position (15 to 30 degrees) is not appropriate for enteral feedings. The client should be positioned at a higher angle (30 to 45 degrees) to reduce the risk of aspiration and improve digestion during feeding.
B. Testing the pH of gastric aspirate is essential to confirm that the NG tube is in the correct position (i.e., the stomach). A pH of 1 to 4 indicates gastric placement, while higher pH values suggest the tube may be in the lungs or intestines. This is a crucial step to ensure safety before administering the feeding.
C. Discarding residual gastric contents is not the correct action. Residual gastric contents should be measured to assess gastric motility and tolerance to the feeding. The feeding should only be withheld if the residual volume is excessive, based on institutional guidelines.
D. Warming the feeding solution to body temperature is not always necessary, although it is often recommended to improve comfort and prevent cramping. The most important step is confirming tube placement and ensuring the feeding is safe.