Question

Which of the following actions should a PCT take when caring for a patient who has a feeding tube?

A) Flush the feeding tube with hot water before each feeding.
B) Administer medications through the feeding tube without dilution.
C) Check for tube placement before each feeding or medication administration.
D) Use a smaller tube size to increase feeding rate.

Answer 1

The PCT should check for feeding tube placement before each feeding or medication administration to ensure correct tube positioning and prevent potential complications. Flushing with lukewarm water and diluting medications are also vital feeding tube care practices.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate action a Patient Care Technician (PCT) should take when caring for a patient with a feeding tube is C) Check for tube placement before each feeding or medication administration. This is to ensure that the tube is properly positioned in the stomach or intestine and to prevent complications such as aspiration. Flushing the feeding tube with lukewarm water, not hot water, is recommended to maintain the tube's patency and should be done before and after feedings and medication administration. Medications should be properly diluted according to the manufacturer's instructions and the facility's protocols before being administered through a feeding tube. Finally, the size of the tube should be appropriate to the patient's needs and medical condition; using a smaller tube size to increase feeding rate is not advisable as it may lead to complications.