A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving enteral tube feedings of a diluted formula. Which of the following complications of enteral tube feeding should the nurse identify as a reason to administer diluted feedings to clients?

A. “I will call for pain medication before the previous dose wears off.”

The statement "I will call for pain medication before the previous dose wears off" indicates an understanding of proactive pain management. In postoperative pain control, it is generally more effective to stay ahead of the pain by taking pain medication on a scheduled basis rather than waiting until the pain becomes severe. This approach helps to maintain a more consistent level of pain relief.

B. “I will call for pain medication as my pain becomes intolerable.”

Waiting until the pain becomes intolerable may result in suboptimal pain control. It's more effective to take pain medication before reaching a point of intolerable pain.

C. “I will wait for you to evaluate my pain before asking for more.”

Waiting for the nurse to evaluate pain before requesting more medication may result in delays in pain relief. Pain management often involves collaboration between healthcare providers and patients, and timely communication about pain levels is essential.

D. “I will ask for less medication to avoid addiction.”

This statement reflects a concern about addiction but may lead to inadequate pain relief. Pain management should prioritize effective pain control while balancing the risks and benefits of medications. The goal is to provide sufficient pain relief without compromising the client's well-being.

A. Instruct the client to tilt her head back when she swallows.

Tipping the head back during swallowing is not recommended, especially for individuals with dysphagia. It can increase the risk of aspiration, as it may interfere with the normal swallowing mechanism. The head should be kept in a neutral position during swallowing.

B. Place food on the left side of the client’s mouth.

Placing food on the side with weakness may lead to difficulty in chewing and increased risk of aspiration. The placement of food should be based on the individual's ability and preference, and it's important to consider the safety of swallowing.

C. Add thickener to fluids.

This is the correct choice. Adding thickener to fluids can help modify their consistency, making them easier to swallow and reducing the risk of aspiration. The appropriate thickness should be determined based on the individual's ability to swallow safely.

D. Serve food at room temperature.

While serving food at room temperature may be a preference for some individuals, it is not specifically addressing the safety concerns related to dysphagia and left-sided weakness. The focus should be on modifying food textures and consistencies to ensure safe swallowing.