Question

The nurse is monitoring the nutritional status of the client receiving enteral nutrition. Which intervention should the nurse implement to determine the effectiveness of the tube feedings?

1) Use a calorie count.
2) Obtain a daily weight.
3) Evaluate intake and output.
4) Monitor serum protein level.

Answer 1

To assess the effectiveness of enteral tube feedings, nurses should obtain a daily weight, evaluate intake and output, and monitor serum protein levels to ascertain the client's nutritional status.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the effectiveness of the tube feedings for a client receiving enteral nutrition, the nurse should consider several interventions to assess nutritional status accurately. One key intervention is to obtain a daily weight, which provides immediate feedback on the client's nutritional status, indicating if the caloric intake is adequate, excessive, or insufficient. Additionally, the nurse should evaluate intake and output to ensure that the nutrients are not only being received but also absorbed and utilized correctly. Lastly, it's important to monitor serum protein levels as they are indicative of the body's nutrition reserves and reflect the longer-term status of protein nutrition.