A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous enteral nutrition and is experiencing diarrhea. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Administering antiemetics following the meal is not an appropriate action for a client who is at risk for malnutrition. Antiemetics are medications that prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, which can interfere with oral intake and hydration. However, antiemetics should be given before the meal, not after, to reduce the likelihood of postprandial nausea and vomiting. ¹²

Choice B reason: Providing mouth care before feeding is an appropriate action for a client who is at risk for malnutrition. Mouth care can improve the client's appetite, taste, and comfort, as well as prevent oral infections and dental problems that can affect food intake. ³⁴

Choice C reason: Assessing for pain prior to mealtime is an appropriate action for a client who is at risk for malnutrition. Pain can reduce the client's appetite, mood, and ability to eat comfortably. The nurse should assess the client's pain level and provide adequate pain relief before offering food. ⁵⁶

Choice D reason: Removing the bedpan from the client's sight is an appropriate action for a client who is at risk for malnutrition. The presence of a bedpan or other unpleasant stimuli can cause the client to lose appetite, feel nauseated, or associate food with negative emotions. The nurse should create a pleasant and comfortable environment for the client to eat. ⁷⁸

Choice E reason: Discouraging snacks between meals is not an appropriate action for a client who is at risk for malnutrition. Snacks can provide additional calories, protein, and micronutrients that the client may not get from regular meals. Snacks can also help prevent hunger, fatigue, and hypoglycemia between meals. The nurse should encourage the client to have healthy snacks that are high in energy and nutrient density.

Choice A reason: Confusion and weakness are signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can result from vomiting and diarrhea. These are serious complications that can affect the client's mental status, blood pressure, heart rate, and kidney function. The nurse should report these findings to the provider and monitor the client's vital signs and fluid status.

Choice B reason: Dry oral mucosa and furrowed tongue are also signs of dehydration, but they are less severe than confusion and weakness. The nurse should report these findings to the provider as well, but they are not the most urgent ones.

Choice C reason: A temperature of 37.4° C (99.3° F) is slightly elevated, but not indicative of a fever or infection. The nurse should document this finding, but it does not require immediate follow-up.

Choice D reason: A blood pressure of 90/58 mm Hg is low, but not hypotensive. The nurse should document this finding, but it does not require immediate follow-up.