NCLEX Practice Test

Which action should a nurse take when administering an intermittent bolus enteral feeding via a nasogastric tube?

1. Aspirate and discard 50 mL of gastric residual prior to feeding

2. Assess the tube placement marking at the naris insertion site

3. Keep the client's head of the bed elevated at 45 degrees

4. Slow the feeding rate if the client develops abdominal cramping

The correct answer is: Aspirate and discard 50 mL of gastric residual prior to feeding

When administering an intermittent bolus enteral feeding via a nasogastric tube, it is essential for the nurse to aspirate and discard 50 mL of gastric residual before feeding. This step helps in ensuring proper tube placement and gastric emptying, reducing the risk of aspiration and complications. Assessing the tube placement marking at the naris insertion site, keeping the client's head of the bed elevated at 45 degrees, and slowing the feeding rate if the client develops abdominal cramping are all important nursing interventions when managing enteral feedings. However, the most critical step to ensure the safety and efficacy of the feeding is to aspirate and discard gastric residual before administering the feeding.