A nurse is preparing to administer an intermittent bolus enteral feeding via a nasogastric (NG) tube to a client. Arrange the following procedural steps in the correct chronological order from first to last.
- 1Elevate the head of the bed to at least 30 to 45 degrees.
- 2Verify tube placement and check the gastric residual volume.
- 3Flush the nasogastric tube with 30 mL of sterile water.
- 4Administer the prescribed enteral feeding formula by gravity.
- 5Flush the nasogastric tube with an additional 30 mL of sterile water.
Answer
The correct sequence for administering an intermittent bolus enteral feeding is to first elevate the head of the bed, followed by verifying tube placement and checking the gastric residual volume. Next, the nurse flushes the tube with water to confirm patency, administers the feeding formula by gravity, and concludes by flushing the tube again to prevent occlusion.
Safe administration of enteral feedings follows a strict sequential protocol. The client must first be positioned upright (30-45 degrees) to prevent aspiration. Once safely positioned, the nurse must confirm the tube is in the stomach and check residual volume to ensure tolerance. A pre-flush verifies patency. After patency is confirmed, the feeding is administered. Finally, a post-flush clears the tube to maintain future patency.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Safe Enteral Nutrition Administration