HESI Fundamentals Study Guide Related

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During a follow-up visit, a home health nurse notices that a client with a gastrostomy tube, who receives intermittent feedings and medications, has developed diarrhea. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a possible cause of the diarrhea?

  • A. The client's caregiver washes out the feeding bag once every 24 hours with warm water.
  • B. The client's caregiver washes out the feeding bag with hot water every 24 hours.
  • C. The client's caregiver changes the feeding bag every 48 hours.
  • D. The client's caregiver adds water to the formula before administration.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Washing out the feeding bag once every 24 hours with warm water can lead to bacterial growth due to inadequate cleaning, potentially causing diarrhea. Hot water, as in choice B, can also promote bacterial growth, which is not desirable. Changing the feeding bag every 48 hours, like in choice C, is within an acceptable timeframe and is unlikely to be a cause of diarrhea. Adding water to the formula before administration, as in choice D, is a common practice to dilute the formula but is not typically associated with causing diarrhea in this scenario.