A nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving enteral feedings through a nasogastric (NG) tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first?

Choice A reason:Labeling the feeding bag with the date and time is important for tracking, but it is not the first action to take. The priority is to ensure that the NG tube is correctly placed and the stomach contents can be aspirated to verify placement before administering the feeding.

Choice B reason:Aspirating the client's stomach contents is the first action the nurse should take. This is to confirm the correct placement of the NG tube to prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia. It is a critical step before starting any enteral feeding.

Choice C reason: Hanging the feeding bag 30 cm (12 inches) above the client is necessary for gravity feeding, but it comes after verifying the NG tube placement through aspiration of stomach contents.

Choice D reason:Warming the feeding to room temperature is a comfort measure and helps to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort. However, it is not the first action to take. The priority is to check the tube placement.

Choice A: “I have a tight sensation in my lower leg when I forget to put my feet up.” This statement may indicate the presence of edema, which is common in cirrhosis due to hypoalbuminemia and sodium retention. However, it is not as immediately concerning as other symptoms because it can often be managed with diuretics and compression. It is important to monitor for worsening edema, as it can lead to increased discomfort and risk of skin breakdown.

Choice B: “I can’t button my pants anymore because my belly is so swollen.” This statement is concerning because it suggests the development of ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal swelling. Ascites can lead to abdominal discomfort, difficulty breathing, and is a sign of advanced liver disease with significant portal hypertension. It requires medical evaluation and management, which may include paracentesis (removal of fluid), diuretics, and sodium restriction. Cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. Portal hypertension is an increase in the blood pressure within a system of veins called the portal venous system. Veins from the stomach, intestine, spleen, and pancreas merge into the portal vein, which then branches into smaller vessels and travels through the liver.

Choice C: “I’m very constipated and have been straining during bowel movements.” While constipation is uncomfortable and can indicate dietary issues or side effects from medication, it is not typically a direct complication of cirrhosis or portal hypertension. However, straining during bowel movements can increase the risk of bleeding from esophageal varices if they are present, so it is important to manage constipation to prevent potential complications.

Choice D: “When I sleep, I have to sit in a recliner so that I can breathe more easily.” This statement indicates orthopnea, which can be associated with ascites or pleural effusions (fluid in the lungs), both of which can occur in the setting of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. While this symptom is concerning and affects the client’s quality of life, it is generally less concerning than the development of ascites, as it can be managed with adjustments in sleeping position and medical management of the underlying fluid accumulation.