ATI Exit Exam Related

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A nurse is preparing to administer an intermittent enteral feeding to a client who has an NG tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

  • A. Heat the feeding to 105°F (40.6°C).
  • B. Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees.
  • C. Flush the tube with 0.9% sodium chloride.
  • D. Verify the pH of the gastric aspirate.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Verifying the pH of the gastric aspirate is the correct action to take before administering an intermittent enteral feeding through an NG tube. This step ensures proper tube placement in the stomach, as the gastric aspirate should have an acidic pH (usually below 5). Heating the feeding solution, elevating the head of the bed, or flushing the tube with saline are not directly related to verifying tube placement and are not the immediate actions needed before administering the feeding.