A patient with difficulty swallowing is started on continuous tube feedings of a full-strength commercial formula at 100 ml/hr. The patient has six diarrhea stools the first day. The action that is most appropriate for the nurse to take first is to

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Loose stools indicate poor absorption of nutrients and indicate a need to slow the feeding rate or decrease the concentration of the feeding. Water will dilute the feeding and improve absorption. Also, many supplemental feedings will cause dehydration unless water is administered in addition to the feeding. The nurse may notify the health care provider about the loose stools, but actions such as slowing the feeding will be initially used rather than changing the formula of the feeding. High residual volumes do not contribute to diarrhea.

A Patient with Difficulty Swallowing Is Started on Continuous Tube