A nurse is caring for a patient receiving enteral nutrition via a gastrostomy tube. Which actions should the nurse take to prevent complications associated with enteral feeding?
(Select All that Apply.)
Use sterile water to flush the tube before and after feeding.
Lower the head of the bed to 15 degrees to facilitate feeding.
Change the feeding bag and tubing every 24 hours.
Check for residual volume before each feeding
Add crushed medications to the enteral formula for convenience.
Administer the feeding in a continuous cycle over 24 hours.
Correct Answer : C,D
A. Using sterile water is recommended for flushing the tube before and after feeding, but it is not the most critical step in preventing complications.
B. Lowering the head of the bed to 15 degrees during feeding may increase the risk of aspiration, as a higher elevation is typically recommended.
C. Changing the feeding bag and tubing every 24 hours helps prevent bacterial contamination and reduces the risk of infection.
D. Checking for residual volume before each feeding helps ensure that the stomach is empty, reducing the risk of aspiration.
E. Adding crushed medications to the enteral formula is not recommended, as it can alter the formula's absorption and cause clogging of the tube.
F. Administering the feeding in a continuous cycle over 24 hours is typically done for certain patients, but it is not essential to prevent complications in all cases.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","E","F","G"]
Explanation
A. Positioning the patient supine can increase the risk of aspiration and should be avoided during feeding. The head of the bed should be elevated instead.
B. Monitoring gastric residual volumes is important to assess the tolerance of the feeding and prevent aspiration.
C. Feedings should be given slowly to avoid complications like gastric distention, not rapidly.
D. Using sterile gloves when handling a feeding tube is not necessary unless there is a risk for infection, but clean gloves are generally adequate.
E. Flushing the tube with water before and after medication administration helps to maintain patency and prevent clogging.
F. The head of the bed should be elevated at least 30 degrees during feeding to reduce the risk of aspiration.
G. Verifying tube placement before starting the feeding ensures that the feeding is going into the stomach and not the lungs.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds are typically seen with diarrhea but are not a sign of hypokalemia.
B. Cerebral edema can occur with severe electrolyte imbalances, but it is not specifically related to hypokalemia caused by diarrhea.
C. Hypertension is not a typical symptom of hypokalemia; rather, hypokalemia often leads to low blood pressure.
D. Muscle weakness is a classic sign of hypokalemia because potassium is essential for proper muscle function, and low levels can impair contraction.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.