HESI CAT Exam 2022 Related

Review HESI CAT Exam 2022 related questions and content

To prevent aspiration in a client on mechanical ventilation receiving continuous enteral feedings through a nasogastric tube, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

  • A. Verify the feeding tube position with a daily chest x-ray
  • B. Maintain head of bed elevated while enteral feeding is infusing
  • C. Check feeding tube placement with air bolus prior to use
  • D. Aspirate stomach contents every 4 hours to assess residuals
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most important intervention to prevent aspiration in a client receiving continuous enteral feedings through a nasogastric tube while on mechanical ventilation is to maintain the head of the bed elevated while the feeding is infusing. This position helps reduce the risk of regurgitation and aspiration. Options A, C, and D are not as crucial as maintaining proper positioning to prevent aspiration. Verifying tube position with a daily chest x-ray is important but not the most crucial. Checking tube placement with an air bolus and aspirating stomach contents are important procedures but do not directly address the prevention of aspiration during enteral feedings.