Question

A patient has been admitted to the critical care unit after a stroke. After "failing" a swallow study, the patient is placed on enteral feedings. Following placement of a nasogastric tube for tube feeding, what is the next critical step?

a. Administer medications.
b. Cap off and wait 24 hours before starting feedings.
c. Obtain a chest radiograph.
d. Start the tube feeding.

Answer 1

The next critical step after placing a nasogastric tube for tube feeding in a patient who has failed a swallow study is to obtain a chest radiograph.

Step-by-step explanation:

The next critical step after placing a nasogastric tube for tube feeding in a patient who has failed a swallow study is to obtain a chest radiograph. This is important to confirm the proper placement of the tube in the stomach and to ensure that there is no accidental placement in the lungs or airway.