While caring for a comatose patient who is receiving continuous tube feedings through a soft nasogastric tube, the nurse notes the presence of new crackles in the patient's lungs. In which order will the nurse take the following actions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The assessment data indicate that aspiration may have occurred, and the nurse's first action should be to turn off the tube feeding to avoid further aspiration. The next action should be to check the oxygen saturation because this may indicate the need for immediate respiratory suctioning or oxygen administration. The residual volume should be obtained because it provides data about possible causes of aspiration. Finally, the health care provider should be notified and informed of all the assessment data the nurse has just obtained.

While Caring for a Comatose Patient Who Is Receiving Continuous