Question

Which actions should the nurse include when caring for a client with continuous tube feedings through a nasogastric (NG) tube?

1) Check the residual every 4 hours.
2) Check for placement every 4 hours.
3) Hang a new feeding bag every 72 hours.
4) Check skin integrity at the site of NG tube insertion.
5) Check for placement before administering medications.

Answer 1

The nurse should check the residual every 4 hours, verify NG tube placement regularly and before administering medications, change the feeding bag every 72 hours, and monitor skin integrity at the tube insertion site.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a client with continuous tube feedings through a nasogastric (NG) tube, certain actions are critical for ensuring proper nutrition delivery and client safety. First, it's important to check the residual every 4 hours to ensure that the feeding is being absorbed and not accumulating in the stomach, which could increase the risk of aspiration. Secondly, checking for NG tube placement before administering medications and at regular intervals, such as every 4 hours, is crucial to confirm that the tube remains in the correct position. Placement can be confirmed by aspirating stomach contents and checking pH or by using imaging if needed. Next, to maintain hygiene and prevent infection, changing the feeding bag every 72 hours, or as per the hospital's protocol, is imperative. Finally, monitoring skin integrity at the site of NG tube insertion is an ongoing task to prevent pressure ulcers, skin breakdown, or infection.