A nurse is caring for a client who has a small-bore jejunostomy tube and is receiving a continuous tube feeding with a high-viscosity formula. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent the tubing from clogging?
Replace the bag and tubing every 24 hr.
Flush the tubing with 10 mL water every 6 hr.
Administer the feeding by gravity drip.
Heat the formula prior to infusion.
The Correct Answer is B
A) While it's important to change the feeding bag and tubing regularly to pr’vent bacterial growth and contamination, replacing them every 24 hours may not be necessary unless otherwise indicated by facility policy or if there are signs of contamination or malfunction. Routine replacement every 24 hours is not specifically indicated for preventing tubing clogging.
B) Flushing the tubing with water every 6 hours is an effective method to prevent clogging, especially when using a high-viscosity formula. Flushing helps ensure that the formula does not solidify or adhere to the inner walls of the tubing, maintaining its patency and preventing obstruction.
C) Administering the feeding by gravity drip is a method of delivery rather than a preventive measure against tubing clogging. While gravity drip administration may be appropriate for certain types of tube feedings, it does not directly address the prevention of tubing clogging.
D) Heating the formula prior to infusion may help improve its flow characteristics, especially if the formula has thickened due to being refrigerated. However, this action alone may not be sufficient to prevent tubing clogging. Flushing the tubing with water at regular intervals is a more direct and effective preventive measure in this scenario.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "I should place my baby's crib next to the heater to keep him warm during the winter":
Placing the baby's crib next to a heater poses a risk of overheating and burns, which can be dangerous for the newborn. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of crib safety and puts the baby at risk of injury.
B) "I should pad the mattress in my baby's crib so that he will be more comfortable when he sleeps":
Padding the mattress in the baby's crib increases the risk of suffocation and SIDS. Soft bedding, including padded mattresses, should be avoided to maintain a safe sleep environment for the baby. This statement indicates a lack of understanding of safe sleep practices.
C) "I should remove extra blankets from my baby's crib":
Removing extra blankets from the baby's crib is a crucial aspect of crib safety. Extra bedding increases the risk of suffocation and SIDS, so it's essential to keep the crib free of loose blankets, pillows, and other soft items. This statement indicates an understanding of safe sleep practices and prioritizes the baby's safety.
D) "I will place my baby on his stomach when he is sleeping":
Placing the baby on his stomach for sleep increases the risk of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of sudden unexpected infant death. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of safe sleep practices and poses a risk to the baby's safety.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Change to a low-calorie formula if diarrhea persists: Switching to a low-calorie formula is not the initial action for managing diarrhea in a client receiving continuous enteral nutrition. Diarrhea in these clients can result from various factors, including formula intolerance, medication side effects, or infections. Before changing the formula, the nurse should assess for potential causes of diarrhea and implement appropriate interventions.
B) Warm the formula to room temperature before infusing: This is the correct action. Cold formula may cause cramping and diarrhea in some clients. Warming the formula to room temperature before infusion can help prevent gastrointestinal discomfort and reduce the risk of diarrhea. However, the nurse should ensure that the formula is not heated excessively, as excessive heat can degrade certain nutrients.
C) Replace the extension tubing every 48 hours: While replacing the extension tubing regularly is important for preventing bacterial contamination and maintaining the integrity of the enteral feeding system, it is not directly related to managing diarrhea in a client receiving continuous enteral nutrition.
D) Increase the rate of infusion: Increasing the rate of infusion is not typically indicated for managing diarrhea in clients receiving enteral nutrition. In fact, increasing the infusion rate may exacerbate diarrhea and lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. The nurse should monitor the client's fluid balance closely and adjust the infusion rate based on the client's clinical status and tolerance.
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