Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 93%
Simulated
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a prescription for continuous enteral feedings through an NG tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Measure gastric residual volumes every 4 hr. This is essential to monitor the client's tolerance to enteral feedings, prevent complications like aspiration, and ensure proper absorption. Gastric residual volumes help assess the adequacy of digestion and absorption.
Choice B is incorrect as flushing the NG tube with saline before and after medication administration is not specific to the continuous enteral feedings. Choice C is incorrect as the head of the bed should be elevated at least 30 degrees to reduce the risk of aspiration. Choice D is incorrect as advancing the rate of feeding every 2 hours can increase the risk of complications.
Choice B is incorrect as flushing the NG tube with saline before and after medication administration is not specific to the continuous enteral feedings. Choice C is incorrect as the head of the bed should be elevated at least 30 degrees to reduce the risk of aspiration. Choice D is incorrect as advancing the rate of feeding every 2 hours can increase the risk of complications.