Final answer:
The best action for the nurse to take is to assess the patient's gastric residual when a patient receiving enteral feedings reports fullness and abdominal discomfort.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient receiving enteral feedings reports fullness and abdominal discomfort, the best action for the nurse to take is to assess the patient's gastric residual. This involves checking the stomach contents to determine if there is residual feeding remaining. Fullness and discomfort may be signs of inadequate digestion or absorption, so assessing the gastric residual can provide important information about the patient's tolerance to the feeding.
Suctioning, continuing the tube feeding, or decreasing the tube feeding would not address the underlying problem of fullness and discomfort. Assessing the gastric residual allows the nurse to make an informed decision about the next course of action, such as adjusting the feeding rate or formula, or consulting with the healthcare provider.