Final answer:
The correct preventive measure to avoid aspiration pneumonia with tube feeding is by elevating the head of the bed, not the other listed measures which can actually worsen the condition they are intended to prevent.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the question regarding the prevention of commonly occurring complications of tube feedings coupled with the appropriate preventive measure, the correct pairing is A) Aspiration pneumonia - Elevating the head of the bed. This preventive measure helps to reduce the risk of the patient inhaling (aspirating) stomach contents into their lungs, which can lead to pneumonia. This is especially important for patients who are receiving tube feeding because they may not be able to protect their airway effectively, leading to a higher risk of aspiration.
Choosing B) Diarrhea - Increasing the tube feeding rate is incorrect as increasing the feeding rate can actually exacerbate diarrhea, not prevent it. C) Constipation - Limiting water intake is also incorrect because limiting water intake can lead to dehydration, which can worsen constipation. Lastly, D) Tube displacement - Administering medications through the feeding tube is incorrect because administering medications via the feeding tube does not prevent tube displacement; securing the tube and checking its placement frequently are better preventive measures.