Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 66%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client in a long-term care facility who is receiving enteral feedings via an NG tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take prior to administering the tube feeding?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Correct Answer: D - Test the pH of gastric aspirate.
Rationale: Testing the pH of gastric aspirate is essential before administering enteral feedings via an NG tube to ensure proper tube placement in the stomach. A pH of 1-5 indicates stomach placement, reducing the risk of aspiration. Discarding gastric contents (A) is important but not the priority. Placing the client in low Fowler's position (B) does not directly impact tube feeding administration. Warming the feeding solution (C) may improve tolerance but is not a pre-administration step.
Rationale: Testing the pH of gastric aspirate is essential before administering enteral feedings via an NG tube to ensure proper tube placement in the stomach. A pH of 1-5 indicates stomach placement, reducing the risk of aspiration. Discarding gastric contents (A) is important but not the priority. Placing the client in low Fowler's position (B) does not directly impact tube feeding administration. Warming the feeding solution (C) may improve tolerance but is not a pre-administration step.