Eighty-year-old Antonio Hernandez has a past medical history of hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes. He suffers a massive stroke and is stabilized in the CCU (coronary care unit). It is determined that it is unsafe to feed him orally and a tube feeding will be started immediately. The nurse will determine whether Antonio is tolerating the tube feeding by ____.

Question

Eighty-year-old Antonio Hernandez has a past medical history of hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes. He suffers a massive stroke and is stabilized in the CCU (coronary care unit). It is determined that it is unsafe to feed him orally and a tube feeding will be started immediately. ​ The nurse will determine whether Antonio is tolerating the tube feeding by ____.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Checking gastric residuals is the best way for the nurse to determine if Antonio is tolerating the tube feeding. Gastric residuals are the amount of formula remaining in the stomach before the next feeding. If there is a significant amount of residuals, it may indicate an intolerance to the formula, delayed gastric emptying, or other issues. Diluting the formula or adding dye would not provide information on the patient's tolerance to the formula. Adding drug therapy would not be appropriate without a specific indication.

Eighty-Year-Old Antonio Hernandez Has a Past Medical History of Hypertension