Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 81%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
A 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
A
Rationale
The correct action for the nurse to take first is to check the pH of the gastric secretions (Choice A). This is crucial to determine the placement of the NG tube in the stomach. If the pH is acidic (pH < 5), it indicates the tube is in the stomach. If the pH is alkaline (pH > 6), it may suggest the tube is in the respiratory tract, which could lead to serious complications if feeding is initiated. Setting the administration rate on the feeding pump (Choice B) should only be done after ensuring proper tube placement. Flushing the tube with water (Choice C) or attaching the feeding bag tubing to the end of the NG tube (Choice D) should also be done after verifying tube placement. Checking the pH is the first step in ensuring patient safety and preventing potential harm.