Question

A nurse is caring for a ct who is receiving intermittent enteral feedings q 4 hr via an NG tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to reduce risk for aspiration?

a) Administer the enteral feedings quickly
b) Position the ct in a supine position during feedings
c) Check the residual volume before each feeding
d) Administer medications through the NG tube simultaneously

Answer 1

To reduce the risk of aspiration during intermittent enteral feedings via an NG tube, the nurse should administer the feedings slowly, position the patient in an elevated position, and check residual volume before each feeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

To reduce the risk of aspiration during intermittent enteral feedings via an NG tube, the nurse should:

• Administer the enteral feedings slowly and gradually to allow the patient to adjust and prevent overflow into the lungs.
• Position the patient in an elevated position (usually at a 30-45 degree angle) to facilitate the movement of food down the gastrointestinal tract and decrease the likelihood of reflux.
• Check residual volume before each feeding to assess for gastric retention, which can increase the risk of aspiration.

Administering medications through the NG tube simultaneously with the enteral feedings may cause medication and feeding interactions, so it is best to administer them separately.