Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous enteral tube feedings. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent aspiration?

A) Administer enteral feedings at a cold temperature.
B) Elevate the head of the bed during and after feedings.
C) Use a small-bore feeding tube.
D) Infuse enteral feedings rapidly to minimize exposure.

Answer 1

To prevent aspiration during enteral tube feedings, the nurse should elevate the head of the bed during and after feedings. This method is most effective in reducing the risk of stomach contents entering the lungs.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prevent aspiration in a client who is receiving continuous enteral tube feedings, the nurse should take specific precautions. Among the options provided, B) Elevate the head of the bed during and after feedings is the most effective method to prevent aspiration. Elevating the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees helps prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus and potentially entering the lungs, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia. Administering feedings at a cold temperature or using a small-bore feeding tube does not address aspiration risk directly, and infusing feedings rapidly increases the risk of aspiration and is not recommended.