RN HESI Exit Exam Related

Review RN HESI Exit Exam related questions and content

A client is receiving a full-strength continuous enteral tube feeding at 50 ml/hour and has developed diarrhea. The client has a new prescription to change the feeding to half strength. What intervention should the nurse implement?

  • A. Add equal amounts of water and feeding to a feeding bag and infuse at 50 ml/hour
  • B. Continue the full-strength feeding after decreasing the rate of infusion to 25 ml/hour
  • C. Maintain the present feeding until diarrhea subsides and then begin the new prescription
  • D. Withhold any further feeding until clarifying the prescription with the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention is to dilute the formula by adding equal amounts of water and feeding to a feeding bag and infusing it at 50 ml/hour. This can help alleviate the diarrhea that has developed. Diarrhea can occur as a complication of enteral tube feeding and can be due to a variety of causes, including hyperosmolar formula. Choice B is incorrect as continuing the full-strength feeding, even at a lower rate, may not address the issue of diarrhea. Choice C is incorrect because it is important to follow the new prescription to manage the diarrhea effectively. Choice D is incorrect as withholding feeding without taking appropriate action may delay necessary intervention.