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A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous enteral feedings. Which of the following nursing interventions is the highest priority when the nurse suspects aspiration of the feeding?

A. Auscultate breath sounds
B. Stop the feeding
C. Obtain a chest xray
D. Initiate oxygen therapy

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Stop the feeding is the highest priority intervention when the nurse suspects aspiration of the feeding in a client receiving continuous enteral feedings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The highest priority nursing intervention when the nurse suspects aspiration of the feeding in a client receiving continuous enteral feedings is to stop the feeding. Aspiration occurs when the feeding solution enters the airway instead of going into the stomach. This can lead to aspiration pneumonia or other respiratory complications. By stopping the feeding, the nurse can prevent further aspiration and assess the client's respiratory status.

While auscultating breath sounds (option A) is important to assess for any abnormal sounds indicating aspiration, stopping the feeding takes precedence in preventing further complications. Obtaining a chest x-ray (option C) may be necessary to confirm the presence of aspiration, but it is not the highest priority intervention. Initiating oxygen therapy (option D) may be needed if the client has signs of hypoxia, but it is not the highest priority intervention when suspicion of aspiration arises.

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