Question

A nurse is evaluating a patient following the administration of an enteral feeding. Which findings are normal and are criteria that indicate patient tolerance to the feeding? Select all that apply.

a) Absence of nausea, vomiting
b) Weight gain
c) Bowel sounds within normal range
d) Large amount of gastric residue
e) Absence of diarrhea and constipation
f) Slight abdominal pain and distention

Answer 1

When evaluating a patient following the administration of an enteral feeding, the absence of nausea, vomiting, weight gain, and normal bowel sounds are criteria that indicate patient tolerance. Large amount of gastric residue, absence of diarrhea and constipation, and slight abdominal pain and distention are not considered normal findings.

Step-by-step explanation:

When evaluating a patient following the administration of an enteral feeding, there are several findings that indicate patient tolerance:

• Absence of nausea, vomiting: This indicates that the patient is able to tolerate the feeding without experiencing any gastrointestinal distress.
• Weight gain: If the patient is gaining weight, it suggests that they are receiving adequate nutrition from the enteral feeding.
• Bowel sounds within normal range: Normal bowel sounds indicate that the gastrointestinal tract is functioning properly.

The findings that are not considered normal or indicative of patient tolerance to the feeding include:

• Large amount of gastric residue: This may indicate that the patient is not effectively digesting and absorbing the enteral feeding.
• Absence of diarrhea and constipation: While absence of these symptoms is generally a positive finding, they alone may not necessarily indicate patient tolerance to the feeding.
• Slight abdominal pain and distention: These findings may suggest that the patient is experiencing some discomfort and may not be tolerating the feeding well.