ATI: Enteral Tube Feeding Test – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
To prevent aspiration during the administration of an enter tube feeding, a nurse should...
answer
-place the patient in Fowler's position.
*The Fowler's position is recommended during tube feeding to reduce the risk of regurgitation, which can lead to aspiration. If Fowler's is uncomfortable for the patient, an acceptable alternative is elevating the head of the bed at least 30º.
question
The most reliable method for verifying initial placement of a small-bore feeding tube is by...
answer
-obtaining an abdominal x-ray.
*This is the most reliable method for verifying initial placement of a small-bore feeding tube.
question
To prevent common complication of continuous enteral tube feedings, a nurse should...
answer
-limit the time the formula hangs to 4 hr.
*Formula that hangs longer than 4 to 8 hr is at risk for bacterial contamination, typically manifested by the patient as diarrhea.
question
To determine how much of the length of a nasoenteric tube to insert, a nurse should measure the distance from the patient's nose to the earlobe and from the earlobe to the...
answer
-xiphoid process plus 20 to 30 cm more.
*approximates the distance from the nose to the stomach for 98% of patients. For duodenal or jejunal placement, an additional 20-30 cm is required.
*Measuring from the tip of the nose to the earlobe to the umbilicus would exceed the recommended length of feeding tube to be inserted.
question
A nurse inserting a nasogastric tube asks the patient to flex her head toward her chest after the tube passes through the nasopharynx. This action facilitates proper insertion of the tube by...
answer
-closing off the glottis.
*This action prohibits the tube from entering the trachea.
question
Nasogastric tube feedings are an appropriate choice for a patient who...
answer
-is postoperative following laryngectomy.
*Immediately following removal of the larynx, patients typically receive IV fluids or parenteral nutrition until the gastrointestinal tract recovers from anesthesia. Then, a nasogastric tube is inserted and left in place for about 7 to 10 days to provide enteral feedings until swallowing is safe and adequate.
question
Which of the following formulas is appropriate to administer to a patient who has dysfunctional gastrointestinal tract?
answer
Elemental
*contain predigested nutrients that are easy for a partially functional GI tract to absorb.
question
A patient with a gastric ileus postoperatively requires nutritional support for approximately 2 weeks. Which of the following types of feeding tubes is appropriate for this patient?
answer
Nasointestinal tube.
*allows post pyloric feeding by depositing enteral formula directly into the intestines. Appropriate choice for a patient who lacks stomach motility (gastric ileus) and requires short-term (< 4 weeks) enteral feeding.
question
A nurse is providing teaching to a patient who is receiving intermittent nasogastric feedings. Which of the following should the nurse instruct the patient to report immediately?
answer
Persistent coughing.
*Could indicate that the distal end of the nasogastric tube has moved into the respiratory tract. Immediate assessment is needed bc the patient might be at risk for aspiration.
question
An older adult patient in a long-term facility is receiving intermittent enteral feedings in his room. His affect is flat, and the nurse suspects the he is feeling isolated. Which of the following interventions is appropriate for this patient?
answer
Encourage him to go to the dining room at meal times to talk with other patients.
*By encouraging the resident to maintain a normal schedule and social interactions, the nurse is helping to rebuild is social network and reverse patterns of isolation.
