Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 70%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
Adolescent with NG tube for enteral feedingA nurse is preparing to administer an enteral feeding to an adolescent who has an NG tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Check the pH of the gastric secretions. This should be done first to confirm proper tube placement in the stomach, ensuring that feeding won't be delivered into the lungs by mistake, which can be dangerous. If the pH is acidic (pH <5), it indicates the tube is in the stomach. Flushing the tube with water (A) should only be done after confirming placement. Attaching the feeding bag tubing (B) and setting the administration rate (D) should also be done after confirming proper placement.