Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers Related

Review Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers related questions and content

A nurse is preparing to administer a nasogastric (NG) tube feeding for a patient. What action should the nurse prioritize before initiating tube feeding?

  • A. Verifying the NG tube placement by auscultating for bowel sounds
  • B. Securing the NG tube to prevent dislodgement during feeding
  • C. Checking the patency of the NG tube by aspirating gastric contents
  • D. Elevating the head of the bed to a semi-Fowler's position
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize checking the patency of the NG tube by aspirating gastric contents before initiating tube feeding. This is important to ensure that the NG tube is in the correct position and that it is functioning properly. By aspirating gastric contents, the nurse can confirm that the tube is in the stomach and not in the lungs or surrounding tissues. If no gastric contents are obtained upon aspiration, it may indicate that the tube is not properly placed or may be occluded, which would require further assessment and intervention before proceeding with tube feeding. Checking the patency of the NG tube is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of enteral nutrition delivery.