Which risk is significantly increased in patients diagnosed with liver disease?

A. Excessive fluid intake: Excessive fluid intake does not typically cause constipation; rather, insufficient fluid intake is more commonly associated with constipation.

B. Diet low in cheese and yogurt: A diet low in cheese and yogurt is not a cause of constipation. However, a diet low in fiber can contribute to constipation.

C. Diet low in fiber and/or residue: A diet low in fiber and residue is one of the leading causes of constipation, as fiber helps in the formation and movement of stool.

D. Iron supplements: Iron supplements are known to cause constipation as they can slow down bowel movement and harden stool.

E. Use of morphine: Opioid medications like morphine slow down bowel motility and are a common cause of constipation.

A. Flush the tube: Flushing the tube before administering a feeding ensures that the tube is patent and free of blockages, which helps prevent aspiration or feeding tube complications.

B. Roll the patient flat: Rolling the patient flat is not necessary for administering a tube feeding, as most feeding tubes are positioned with the head of the bed elevated to reduce the risk of aspiration.

C. Check for a residual formula and return the residual to his or her stomach: While checking for residuals is important for assessing gastric emptying and tolerance to the feeding, it is not the first action before starting the feeding.

D. Place the end of the tube in water and check for bubbles: This action is used to check the placement of the tube (i.e., confirming it is in the stomach or intestine), but it’s not directly related to the initial steps before administering a feeding.