Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous enteral feedings via an NG tube. The nurse notices that the tube feeding has stopped infusing. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

a. Assess the client's vital signs
b. Check for tube placement
c. Notify the healthcare provider
d. Administer a prescribed bowel regimen

Answer 1

The nurse's priority when the enteral feeding has stopped infusing via an NG tube is to check for tube placement.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's priority in this situation is to check for tube placement. When the enteral feeding has stopped infusing, it could indicate that the tube has become dislodged or misplaced. By checking the tube placement, the nurse can ensure that the tube is correctly positioned to deliver the feeding.

Assessing the client's vital signs is important, but it is secondary to confirming the tube placement. Vital signs can be assessed after addressing the issue with the feeding tube.

Notifying the healthcare provider is also important, especially if the tube is misplaced or needs readjustment. However, the immediate action the nurse should take is to check for tube placement to ensure the client's safety.