Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous enteral feeding via an NG tube. The nurse notices that the tube feeding has stopped infusing. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

A.) Change the formula.
B.) Change the tube.
C.) Notify the provider.
D.) Flush the tube with warm water.

Answer 1

The nurse's priority is to notify the provider when the enteral feeding has stopped infusing. Changing the tube and flushing it with warm water are subsequent actions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's priority in this situation is to:

Notify the provider: When the enteral feeding has stopped infusing, it could indicate a problem with the client's condition or the tube itself. Therefore, the nurse should notify the healthcare provider to assess and address the issue.

1. Change the tube: If there is a blockage or malfunction in the NG tube, the nurse may need to change it to ensure proper delivery of the enteral feeding.
2. Flush the tube with warm water: Flushing the tube with warm water may help clear any possible blockages and restore the flow of the enteral feeding, but it is not the nurse's priority. This action can be taken after notifying the provider.