Final answer:
A nurse should regularly assess bowel sounds in a dehydrated patient receiving intermittent enteral feeding to monitor for complications. Isotonic saline solutions are used to treat dehydration intravenously to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct action for a nurse caring for a patient who is dehydrated and is receiving intermittent enteral feeding is to assess bowel sounds regularly. This is done to monitor for potential complications such as ileus or obstruction, which might be indicated by changes in bowel sounds. It is not appropriate to increase the rate of enteral feeding or limit fluid intake in dehydration, and administering a hypertonic IV solution risks further dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
If a patient is dehydrated, repair of fluid loss may be achieved with isotonic saline or a mixture of isotonic saline and Na lactate intravenously. Normal saline and lactated Ringer's solution, which are isotonic, maintain the balance of electrolyte and fluid levels in the body, avoiding the potential dangers of hypotonic or hypertonic solutions.