Following an intermittent bolus feeding via a nasogastric tube, what should the nurse do with the client?

Following an intermittent bolus feeding via a nasogastric tube, what should the nurse do with the client?

• A. Position the client flat in bed
• B. Elevate the head of the bed 30 to 45 degrees
• C. Transfer the client to a chair
• D. Lie the client on their right side

Answer: (B)

Elevating the head of the bed 30 to 45 degrees after administering an intermittent bolus feeding via a nasogastric tube is important for several reasons related to patient safety and comfort. This position helps reduce the risk of aspiration, a significant concern when feeding patients who may have compromised swallowing or delayed gastric emptying. By having the patient's head elevated, gravity assists in the downward flow of the feeding into the stomach, promoting better digestion and minimizing regurgitation. Additionally, this semi-upright position can help facilitate respiration and reduce the risk of reflux, which is particularly beneficial for patients with conditions that predispose them to aspiration pneumonia or gastrointestinal distress. It also enhances patient comfort during and after feeding, as lying flat can lead to discomfort and complications. In contrast, the other options either place the patient in positions that could increase the risk of aspiration (lying flat), offer less immediate post-feeding benefit (transferring to a chair), or may not be indicated based on general feeding protocols or patient stability (lying on the right side). Thus, positioning the client with the head elevated is the most appropriate and safe action following the feeding.

Elevating the head of the bed 30 to 45 degrees after administering an intermittent bolus feeding via a nasogastric tube is important for several reasons related to patient safety and comfort. This position helps reduce the risk of aspiration, a significant concern when feeding patients who may have compromised swallowing or delayed gastric emptying. By having the patient's head elevated, gravity assists in the downward flow of the feeding into the stomach, promoting better digestion and minimizing regurgitation.

Additionally, this semi-upright position can help facilitate respiration and reduce the risk of reflux, which is particularly beneficial for patients with conditions that predispose them to aspiration pneumonia or gastrointestinal distress. It also enhances patient comfort during and after feeding, as lying flat can lead to discomfort and complications.

In contrast, the other options either place the patient in positions that could increase the risk of aspiration (lying flat), offer less immediate post-feeding benefit (transferring to a chair), or may not be indicated based on general feeding protocols or patient stability (lying on the right side). Thus, positioning the client with the head elevated is the most appropriate and safe action following the feeding.