Question

A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse administer enteral feedings via NG tube. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse indicates understanding of the procedure?

A. Administers the enteral feeding at room temperature.
B. Elevates the head of the bed to 30 degrees during and after feeding.
C. Administers the feeding rapidly to minimize discomfort.
D. Flushes the tube with 10 mL of water before and after medication administration.

Answer 1

The newly licensed nurse demonstrates an understanding of administering enteral feedings via NG tube by elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees during and after feeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process of administering enteral feedings via an NG tube requires careful attention to ensure patient safety and comfort. Among the options provided, the action by the newly licensed nurse that indicates an understanding of the procedure is B. Elevates the head of the bed to 30 degrees during and after feeding. This is important to prevent aspiration and promote proper digestion. Administering the enteral feeding at room temperature (Option A) is correct practice, but not the best indicator of understanding the entire procedure. Option C, administering the feeding rapidly to minimize discomfort, is incorrect as rapid administration can cause nausea, vomiting, or aspiration. Lastly, Option D, flushing the tube with 10 mL of water before and after medication administration, is indeed a standard practice, but it refers to medication administration rather than enteral feeding.