Final answer:
Enteral feedings through nasogastric intubation can lead to complications like aspiration and infections, which are identified through symptoms and validated by diagnostic tests.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nasogastric intubation involves inserting a tube through the nose and into the stomach to provide enteral feedings, which means delivering nutrients directly to the gastrointestinal tract. While enteral feeding is beneficial for patients who cannot consume food orally, complications can arise. One of the complications is aspiration, which occurs when the contents of the stomach or enteral feeding solution mistakenly enter the respiratory tract, leading to potential blockage or infection.
Healthcare-associated infections can be caused by contaminated medical equipment used for intubation. Other possible complications include gastrointestinal distress such as ulcerative colitis and giardiasis. When complications are suspected, healthcare providers may employ tests such as a NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) to diagnose infections such as C. difficile, as in the case study mentioned.