Question

A nurse is administering medications through an enteral tube to a client with swallowing difficulties due to a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Which action should the nurse perform to prevent gastric reflux?

a) Administer the medication over several minutes.
b) Help the client into a Fowler's position.
c) Check for drug allergies in the client's history.
d) Add diluted medication to the syringe.

Answer 1

To prevent gastric reflux when administering medications through an enteral tube, the nurse should position the patient in Fowler's position, administer the medication slowly, and use diluted medication in a syringe.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prevent gastric reflux when administering medications through an enteral tube, a nurse should help the patient into a Fowler's position. This semi-sitting position, where the patient is at a 45 to 60-degree angle, helps to reduce the risk of gastric contents flowing back into the esophagus, which can lead to aspiration or discomfort. Keeping the patient in this position during and after the medication administration for at least 30 minutes ensures that gravity aids in keeping the contents in the stomach and improves gastric emptying, thereby preventing reflux.

It is also important to administer the medication over several minutes to allow for proper absorption and to reduce the risk of promoting reflux. Administering medications slowly ensures that the stomach is not overwhelmed, which can increase the chances of reflux. Likewise, using a syringe to add diluted medication can help to ensure the proper flow rate and minimize the risk of gastric irritation or reflux. However, the primary method to prevent reflux in this scenario remains positioning the patient appropriately.