Question

A charge nurse is evaluating a plan of care that a newly licensed nurse developed for a client who is to receive a continuous NG tube feeding. Which of the following interventions should the charge nurse ensure is part of the plan of care?

Option 1: Flush the tube every 8 hr with 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation.

Option 2: Use an acidic juice to unclog a blocked tube.

Option 3: Add dissolved medications to the enteral feeding.

Option 4: Use a 60-mL syringe to flush out a clogged tube.

Answer 1

The charge nurse should ensure that the plan of care includes the intervention of flushing the NG tube every 8 hours with 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation to maintain tube patency and prevent clogging.

Step-by-step explanation:

The charge nurse should ensure that the plan of care includes the intervention of flushing the NG tube every 8 hours with 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation. This helps to maintain tube patency and prevent clogging. Using an acidic juice to unclog a blocked tube is not recommended as it can cause further irritation to the GI tract. Adding dissolved medications to the enteral feeding should be avoided to ensure accurate dose delivery. Using a 60-mL syringe to flush out a clogged tube is also not recommended as it can create excessive pressure and lead to tube dislodgment.