The nurse is caring for an adult client receiving a continuous feeding through a nasogastric tube; tube placement was confirmed by radiograph when the tube was inserted. Which actions are appropriate? Select all that apply.
- AKeep the head of the bed elevated at least 30 degrees during the feeding.
- BConfirm that the tube is still in place by injecting air and listening over the stomach.
- CCheck the external length marking of the tube at regular intervals and before giving medications.
- DFlush the tube with water before and after each medication.
- ECrush the client's medications and add them to the formula bag.
- FMix all of the client's crushed medications together and give them as one dose.
Show answer and explanations
Answer
A, C, D
A: Head elevation reduces aspiration risk during feeding. B: Air-bolus auscultation alone does not reliably verify placement. C: External length checks can identify migration and support the prescribed verification process. D: Appropriate flushing helps maintain patency and separate medications. E: Mixing drugs into formula creates compatibility and dosing problems. F: Combining all drugs can cause incompatibility and tube blockage.
A
Head elevation reduces aspiration risk during feeding.
B
Air-bolus auscultation alone does not reliably verify placement.
C
External length checks can identify migration and support the prescribed verification process.
D
Appropriate flushing helps maintain patency and separate medications.
E
Mixing drugs into formula creates compatibility and dosing problems.
F
Combining all drugs can cause incompatibility and tube blockage.