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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diarrhea is a common side effect of tube feedings, especially when starting at full strength. Slowing the feeding flow rate can help the patient tolerate the feeding better and decrease the frequency of diarrhea stools. Discontinuing water intake would exacerbate dehydration, and notifying the physician for a formula change or checking the amount of residual feeding in the stomach may be necessary down the line, but slowing the feeding flow rate is the most appropriate action to take first.

A Patient with Difficulty Swallowing Is Started on Continuous Tube