Question

A nurse is assisting with the administration of a nasogastric enteral feeding for an infant. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

(A) Elevate the infant's head of bed to 30-45 degrees.
(B) Clamp the nasogastric tube before administering the feeding.
(C) Administer the feeding over 15-30 minutes for a full volume feed.
(D) Flush the nasogastric tube with 5-10 mL of sterile water before and after each feeding.

Answer 1

Elevate the infant's head of bed to 30-45 degrees. The correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

Elevating the infant's head of the bed to 30-45 degrees is a crucial action when administering nasogastric enteral feeding. This position helps prevent the risk of aspiration, ensuring that the formula flows smoothly into the stomach and reducing the likelihood of reflux into the respiratory tract. Aspiration can lead to respiratory complications, making proper positioning a key safety measure in enteral feeding.

Maintaining an elevated position of the head of the bed aligns with the anatomical and physiological considerations of the infant's gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. Gravity assists in the downward flow of the feeding solution, promoting safer and more effective administration. This position also minimizes the potential for regurgitation and associated respiratory issues.

In contrast, options (B) and (D) are not recommended practices. Clamping the nasogastric tube before administering the feeding can impede the flow of the formula and may cause discomfort for the infant. Additionally, flushing the nasogastric tube with sterile water before and after each feeding, as suggested in option (D), is not a standard practice for nasogastric enteral feeding in infants and may disrupt the balance of electrolytes. Therefore, elevating the head of the bed is the most appropriate action for ensuring the safe and effective administration of nasogastric enteral feeding in an infant.

The correct option is A.

Answer 2

A nurse is assisting with the administration of a nasogastric enteral feeding for an infant. The nurse should Elevate the infant's head of bed to 30-45 degrees. Therefore, the correct option is (A) Elevate the infant's head of bed to 30-45 degrees.

Step-by-step explanation:

Elevating the infant's head of bed to 30-45 degrees is a crucial action when administering nasogastric enteral feeding. This position helps prevent aspiration and facilitates the smooth passage of the feeding into the stomach. By elevating the head of the bed, gravity assists in keeping the formula in the stomach, reducing the risk of reflux or regurgitation. This positioning also ensures that the infant is in a safe and comfortable posture during feeding.

Other options provided - such as clamping the nasogastric tube before administering the feeding, administering the feeding over a specific time, or flushing the tube with sterile water before and after feeding - are not the recommended actions when administering nasogastric enteral feedings for infants. Clamping the tube could hinder the flow of the feeding solution, and specific time constraints for feeding may not be appropriate for all infants.

Flushing the tube with water before and after feeding may not be necessary for routine infant enteral feeding procedures and could potentially introduce unnecessary risks or discomfort to the infant. Therefore, the most appropriate action among the options given is to elevate the infant's head of the bed to the recommended angle, ensuring safe and effective enteral feeding administration. Therefore, the correct option is (A) Elevate the infant's head of bed to 30-45 degrees.