A patient in the intensive care unit has been NPO,taking nothing by mouth,for several days.The nurse is unable to assess bowel sounds.What should be included in the plan to support this patient's nutritional needs?
A)Maintain NPO status.
B)Prepare to assist with implementation of a large bore venous access device to support total parenteral nutrition.
C)Determine best enteral feeding approach and plan implementation.
D)Begin oral feeding with a diet as tolerated as soon as bowel sounds return.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the patient has been NPO and unable to tolerate oral intake, enteral feeding may be the best approach for meeting their nutritional needs. However, the nurse is unable to assess bowel sounds, which may indicate gastrointestinal dysfunction. Therefore, the best choice would be to determine the best enteral feeding approach and plan implementation. Options A, B, and D are not appropriate until the patient's bowel sounds have been assessed and a plan for nutrition has been established.

A Patient in the Intensive Care Unit Has Been NPO,taking