Final answer:
The nurse should anticipate a prescription to decrease the rate of tube feeding for a patient with loose stools as a result of continuous feedings via a gastrostomy tube. Adjusting the feed rate can help manage feeding intolerance and prevent further complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient is experiencing loose stools while receiving continuous tube feedings via a gastrostomy tube, a nurse may anticipate an adjustment in the care plan. Given that the patient has had three loose stools in the last four hours, it is essential to address the issue promptly to prevent further complications such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
From the provided options, the most appropriate prescription that the nurse should anticipate would be to decrease the rate of tube feeding(a). An increase in stool frequency can be a result of feeding intolerance, and slowing down the rate can help the patient's digestive system to better absorb the nutrients. It would not be advisable to increase the rate of tube feeding (c) as this might exacerbate the issue. While withholding tube feeding for a short period (d) might be considered in some cases, it's not typically the first action unless there are signs of severe distress or other contraindications. Before considering the administration of an antidiarrheal medication (b), it's important to address the potential dietary causes. Examination of the patient's symptoms and collaboration with a healthcare provider are essential to determine the underlying cause and appropriate intervention.