Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous tube feedings via a gastrostomy tube. The client has had three loose stools in the last 4 hr. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse anticipate?

Option 1:
Prescription for a decrease in the rate of tube feeding.

Option 2:
Prescription for an increase in the rate of tube feeding.

Option 3:
Prescription for a change in the type of tube feeding solution.

Option 4:
Prescription for discontinuation of tube feeding.

Answer 1

A nurse should anticipate a prescription for either a decrease in the rate of tube feeding or a change in the tube feeding solution for a client experiencing loose stools due to continuous tube feedings.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client receiving continuous tube feedings through a gastrostomy tube who experiences three loose stools in a 4-hour period may be having a reaction to the feeding, which could be too rapid or not well-tolerated. Given this information, the nurse should anticipate a prescription for a modification to the feeding regimen. The most likely prescriptions in such a scenario would include either Option 1: a decrease in the rate of tube feeding, to allow the digestive system more time to process the feedings, or Option 3: a change in the type of tube feeding solution, in case the current formula is not being well tolerated by the patient. Both of these actions aim to provide gastrointestinal relief. Increasing the rate of tube feeding or discontinuing altogether are less likely to be beneficial and could actually exacerbate the problem.