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?

Choice A reason: Elastic skin turgor is a sign of adequate hydration and fluid balance. Skin turgor is the ability of the skin to return to its normal shape after being pinched or pulled. When the skin is dehydrated, it loses its elasticity and becomes tented or wrinkled. The nurse should assess the skin turgor on the chest, abdomen, or forehead, and not on the hands or feet, which can be affected by aging or edema.

Choice B reason: Dry mucous membranes are a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume excess. Mucous membranes are the moist linings of the mouth, nose, eyes, and other body openings. When the body is dehydrated, the mucous membranes become dry, cracked, or sticky. The nurse should assess the mucous membranes for color, moisture, and capillary refill.

Choice C reason: Oliguria is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume excess. Oliguria is the production of abnormally small amounts of urine, usually less than 400 mL per day or 30 mL per hour. Oliguria can indicate reduced kidney function, impaired blood flow to the kidneys, or inadequate fluid intake. The nurse should monitor the urine output, color, specific gravity, and presence of blood or protein.

Choice D reason: Tachycardia is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume excess. Tachycardia is a rapid heart rate, usually more than 100 beats per minute. Tachycardia can occur when the body is dehydrated, as the heart tries to pump more blood to maintain the blood pressure and perfusion. The nurse should measure the pulse rate, rhythm, quality, and amplitude.

Choice A reason: Setting a weight loss goal is an important step in the weight management process, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first assess the client's readiness and willingness to change, as well as the factors that motivate the client to lose weight.

Choice B reason: Identifying the client's motivation is the first action the nurse should take, as it helps the nurse to tailor the interventions to the client's needs and preferences. The nurse should explore the client's reasons for wanting to lose weight, such as improving health, appearance, or self-esteem, and use them as positive reinforcement.

Choice C reason: Discussing behavior modification is a key component of weight management, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first identify the client's motivation and then help the client to develop realistic and specific goals and strategies to change their eating and physical activity habits.

Choice D reason: Referring the client to a dietitian is a helpful action, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first identify the client's motivation and then collaborate with the dietitian to provide individualized and evidence-based dietary advice and education to the client.