Which symptom experienced by a client receiving a continuous enteral feeding via a nasogastric tube requires priority follow-up by the nurse?

A 37-year-old who has insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus has the greatest need for special mouth care. This is because diabetes can affect the blood vessels and nerves in the mouth, leading to dry mouth, gum disease, infections, and delayed healing. Special mouth care for this client would include regular brushing and flossing, using a soft toothbrush or foam brush, rinsing with water or saline, checking for signs of inflammation or infection, and avoiding sugary or acidic foods and drinks.

Choice B is wrong because a 58-year-old who wears dentures does not have a greater need for special mouth care than a diabetic client.

Dentures can be removed and cleaned with a soft toothbrush and denture cleaner, and soaked overnight in a denture solution. The gums and mouth should also be cleaned daily with a soft toothbrush or gauze.

Choice C is wrong because a 26-year-old who is on bed rest does not have a greater need for special mouth care than a diabetic client. Bed rest can cause dry mouth and plaque accumulation, but these can be prevented by regular brushing and rinsing, drinking water frequently, and using sugar-free gum or lozenges.

Choice D is wrong because a 45-year-old who is NPO (nothing by mouth) does not have a greater need for special mouth care than a diabetic client. NPO can cause dry mouth and bad breath, but these can be alleviated by regular rinsing with water or saline, applying water-based lip balm or moisturizer, and using artificial saliva products if needed.

Collaborate with the prescriber about the order. This is because the nurse has a responsibility to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication administration and to question any orders that seem inappropriate or unclear. The nurse should not administer the medication as ordered without verifying it first, as this could cause harm to the client or result in a medication error. The nurse should not check to see if previous shift nurses gave the medication, as this does not address the issue of the current order and could lead to missed or duplicated doses. The nurse should not administer only the standard dose of the medication, as this could be against the prescriber’s intention and could compromise the client’s treatment or outcome.

Choice A is wrong because it does not follow the principle of safe medication administration and could put the client at risk of adverse effects or overdose.

Choice B is wrong because it does not respect the prescriber’s authority and could result in underdosing or ineffective therapy for the client.

Choice C is wrong because it does not solve the problem of the current order and could cause confusion or inconsistency in the medication administration.

Choice D is correct because it demonstrates critical thinking and professional accountability, and ensures that the order is appropriate and accurate for the client’s condition and needs.

The normal ranges for medication dosages depend on various factors, such as the type of medication, the route of administration, the client’s age, weight, renal function, liver function, and other comorbidities.

The nurse should always consult reliable sources of information, such as drug guides, pharmacists, or prescribers, to determine the safe and effective dosages for each client