Final answer:
In the plan of care for a patient receiving continuous enteral feedings through a gastrostomy tube, the nurse should cover the insertion site, add 8 hours of feeding at a time, and check for slight in and out movement of the tube.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the plan of care for a patient diagnosed with malnutrition and receiving continuous enteral feedings through a newly placed gastrostomy tube, the nurse should include the following actions:
- Cover insertion site with adhesive bandage: This helps keep the site clean and protects it from contaminants.
- Add 8 hours of feeding to bag at a time: Having a longer duration of feeding in the bag helps ensure a continuous supply of nutrition.
- Check for slight in and out movement of gastrostomy tube: This ensures that the tube is properly positioned and functioning.
Actions such as rotating the gastrostomy tube 360 degrees once daily and auscultating for a whoosh of air through the gastrostomy tube are not necessary and could potentially cause harm or discomfort to the patient. It is important for the nurse to follow evidence-based practices and guidelines when caring for patients with enteral feedings.