Aspiration Prevention

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Questions and Answers

A client with a history of bulbar poliomyelitis, now exhibiting nascent signs of dysphagia during oral intake assessment, is being evaluated for aspiration risk. Which subtle clinical manifestation would most strongly suggest the presence of silent aspiration, necessitating immediate intervention?

  • Unexplained, transient postprandial temperature elevation to 37.9°C (100.2°F). (correct)
  • Report of intermittent heartburn, particularly in the recumbent position.
  • Persistent, forceful coughing immediately following thin liquid ingestion.
  • Audible gurgling sounds concurrent with swallowing, resolving spontaneously.

In the context of dysphagia management following a vertebrobasilar stroke, which modification to liquid consistency would be most judicious for a client exhibiting impaired pharyngeal constriction and delayed esophageal transit, predicated on the principles of rheology and bolus dynamics?

  • Initiating honey-thick liquids to maximize bolus viscosity and minimize aspiration risk. (correct)
  • Maintaining thin liquids with adjunct strategies, focusing on postural adjustments and swallowing maneuvers.
  • Implementing nectar-thick liquids to enhance bolus cohesion and oral control.
  • Prescribing pudding-thick liquids to ensure bolus integrity and slow pharyngeal transit.

A client receiving continuous enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube exhibits a sudden onset of tachypnea, oxygen desaturation to 88% on room air, and coarse crackles auscultated bilaterally. Beyond immediate cessation of the feeding and oxygen administration, which subsequent nursing intervention is of paramount importance in mitigating the sequelae of suspected tube feeding aspiration?

  • Obtaining a stat arterial blood gas sample to assess the extent of respiratory compromise.
  • Administering a stat dose of a proton pump inhibitor to reduce gastric acidity.
  • Initiating chest physiotherapy with postural drainage to enhance pulmonary clearance.
  • Preparing for immediate endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory failure. (correct)

A client with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and profound dysphagia is undergoing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement. Which pre-procedural nursing assessment is most critical in mitigating the risk of aspiration during the PEG insertion process, considering the client's neuromuscular compromise?

<p>Assessment of oropharyngeal muscle strength and cough reflex to gauge aspiration risk. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When educating a client with post-stroke dysphagia on swallowing maneuvers, which nuanced instruction regarding the chin-tuck technique is most critical for optimizing pharyngeal phase efficiency and minimizing aspiration risk during thin liquid consumption?

<p>Initiate chin-tuck immediately upon liquid bolus entry into the oral cavity and sustain until after pharyngeal transit. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with unilateral vocal cord paralysis secondary to recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is prescribed the head rotation swallowing technique. Which specific anatomical rationale underlies the efficacy of head rotation to the 'affected' side in mitigating aspiration risk in this cohort?

<p>Head rotation redirects the bolus towards the stronger, contralateral pharyngeal constrictor muscles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the supraglottic swallow technique, the critical instruction to 'cough immediately after swallowing' is predicated on which physiological principle concerning airway clearance and aspiration prophylaxis?

<p>Coughing post-swallow serves as a volitional maneuver to expel any residual food or liquid pooled in the laryngeal vestibule. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with a history of radiation-induced xerostomia and subsequent dysphagia reports persistent globus sensation and occasional post-swallow throat clearing. Which swallowing technique, targeting pharyngeal residue reduction, would be most judiciously recommended by the speech-language pathologist?

<p>Mendelsohn maneuver to prolong laryngeal elevation and increase pharyngeal contraction duration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and a capillary blood glucose reading of 380 mg/dL pre-prandially. Which pathophysiological mechanism most directly accounts for the client's polyuria in the context of hyperglycemia?

<p>Osmotic diuresis secondary to glucosuria exceeding the renal tubular reabsorption threshold. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Following administration of 15 grams of rapid-acting oral glucose for confirmed hypoglycemia (blood glucose 65 mg/dL), repeat capillary glucose monitoring should ideally be performed at which interval to accurately assess glycemic response and guide subsequent interventions?

<p>15 minutes post-administration, allowing sufficient time for glucose absorption and hepatic release. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In managing severe hypoglycemia (blood glucose <40 mg/dL) in an unresponsive client without intravenous access, which alternative route of glucagon administration, beyond intravenous, would be most expeditious and clinically justifiable in the pre-hospital or emergent setting?

<p>Intranasal administration of glucagon powder, providing rapid mucosal absorption and systemic delivery. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is prescribed metformin and glipizide. The client reports nocturnal hypoglycemia despite consistent medication adherence and dietary patterns. Which pharmacological mechanism of glipizide most likely contributes to this adverse nocturnal glycemic event?

<p>Sustained stimulation of pancreatic beta-cell insulin secretion by glipizide, independent of nocturnal glucose fluctuations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client is prescribed insulin lispro, a rapid-acting insulin, and insulin detemir, a long-acting insulin. When educating the client on the pharmacokinetic profiles of these insulins, which comparative statement is most accurate regarding their onset of action and duration?

<p>Insulin lispro has a faster onset and shorter duration of action compared to insulin detemir. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When administering subcutaneous insulin, the recommendation to rotate injection sites and avoid lipohypertrophy is primarily based on which physiological principle concerning insulin absorption and tissue integrity?

<p>Repeated insulin injections at the same site induce localized insulin resistance and erratic absorption kinetics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with gastroparesis and persistent nausea requires long-term enteral nutrition. Considering the client's delayed gastric emptying, which enteral access route would be most physiologically appropriate to minimize the risk of aspiration and optimize nutrient delivery?

<p>Nasojejunal tube (NJ tube) for continuous post-pyloric feeding, bypassing the stomach. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Prior to initiating enteral nutrition via a newly placed nasogastric tube, radiographic confirmation of tube tip position is mandatory. Which anatomical landmark, visualized on chest or abdominal X-ray, definitively confirms appropriate gastric placement of the NG tube?

<p>Identification of the NG tube tip within the gastric air bubble in the fundus of the stomach. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When aspirating gastric contents through a nasogastric tube to verify placement via pH testing, a pH reading of 6.5 is obtained. Considering the physiological pH range of gastric secretions, which interpretive action is most clinically sound?

<p>Obtain radiographic confirmation of tube placement, as a pH of 6.5 is inconclusive for gastric verification. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client receiving continuous enteral nutrition via a G-tube develops abdominal distention, emesis, and reports increased satiety despite consistent feeding rate. Measurement of gastric residual volume (GRV) yields 550 mL. Beyond holding the feeding, which immediate nursing intervention is most critical in addressing this manifestation of feeding intolerance?

<p>Auscultating bowel sounds and assessing for signs of bowel obstruction or ileus. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For a client receiving bolus enteral feedings via a nasogastric tube, maintaining the head of bed elevation at 30-45 degrees for at least one hour post-feeding is primarily aimed at mitigating which specific complication associated with enteral nutrition?

<p>Gastroesophageal reflux and increased risk of aspiration pneumonitis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Enteral nutrition is contraindicated in clients with bowel ischemia due to the potential for exacerbating which pathophysiological process within the ischemic intestinal segment?

<p>Augmented intraluminal pressure and distention, further reducing mucosal blood flow and oxygen delivery. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Parenteral nutrition, particularly total parenteral nutrition (TPN), is associated with an increased risk of hyperglycemia. Which metabolic mechanism of TPN infusion most directly contributes to this hyperglycemic risk in susceptible clients?

<p>Rapid intravenous infusion of concentrated dextrose solutions, exceeding endogenous insulin secretion capacity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When initiating total parenteral nutrition (TPN), a gradual and incremental increase in infusion rate is recommended. What is the primary physiological rationale for this 'ramp-up' approach to TPN administration?

<p>To facilitate metabolic adaptation to exogenous nutrient infusion and prevent refeeding syndrome. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a central venous catheter develops a fever of 38.5°C (101.3°F), chills, and leukocytosis. Beyond obtaining blood cultures, which immediate nursing intervention is most crucial in managing suspected catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in this TPN-dependent client?

<p>Removing the central venous catheter and sending the catheter tip for microbiological culture. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Partial parenteral nutrition (PPN) is distinguished from total parenteral nutrition (TPN) primarily by which key characteristic concerning nutritional support intensity and delivery route?

<p>PPN is formulated with lower dextrose concentrations and osmolarity compared to TPN solutions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client receiving parenteral nutrition exhibits laboratory findings of hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia. These electrolyte derangements are most consistent with which metabolic complication associated with parenteral nutrition initiation?

<p>Refeeding syndrome due to rapid carbohydrate provision in a malnourished state. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

To mitigate the risk of catheter occlusion in central venous catheters used for parenteral nutrition administration, routine flushing protocols are implemented. Which flushing solution and frequency regimen is generally considered optimal for maintaining catheter patency and preventing occlusions?

<p>Pulsatile flushing with 10 mL of normal saline after each infusion and at least once daily to ensure lumen clearance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A nurse is preparing to administer insulin glargine, a long-acting insulin. Which of the following principles is paramount to ensure safe and effective administration of insulin glargine?

<p>Ensuring consistent daily administration time of insulin glargine to maintain basal insulin levels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When educating a client on self-administration of insulin, the nurse emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate injection sites and avoiding intramuscular (IM) injection. What is the primary rationale for avoiding IM insulin administration?

<p>IM injection results in excessively rapid insulin absorption, potentially leading to hypoglycemia. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A nurse is assessing a client's understanding of hypoglycemia management. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further education regarding appropriate treatment strategies for mild hypoglycemia?

<p>If my blood sugar is low, I will drink a glass of diet soda to raise it quickly. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with a nasojejunal (NJ) tube is ordered continuous enteral feeding at 60 mL/hr. During routine assessment, the nurse notes absent bowel sounds and abdominal distention. Which initial nursing action is most critical prior to further intervention or contacting the provider?

<p>Hold the enteral feeding and assess gastric residual volume via the NJ tube to evaluate tolerance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with dysphagia is prescribed thickened liquids. When preparing thickened liquids, which technique is most crucial to ensure accurate consistency and minimize aspiration risk?

<p>Allowing thickened liquid to 'set' for the manufacturer's recommended time to achieve desired consistency. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) at home via a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line reports chest pain, shortness of breath, and sudden onset of anxiety. These symptoms are most suggestive of which acute complication associated with central venous access?

<p>Air embolism due to accidental air entry into the central venous circulation during TPN infusion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with a history of stroke and persistent dysphagia is being discharged home on thickened liquids and aspiration precautions. Which interdisciplinary referral is most critical to ensure safe and successful transition to home-based dysphagia management?

<p>Speech-language pathology for ongoing swallowing therapy and home program development. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of enteral nutrition administration, the term 'residual volume' physiologically represents which component of gastrointestinal content relevant to feeding tolerance assessment?

<p>The volume of enteral formula remaining in the stomach after a defined interval post-feeding. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus using an insulin pump for continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) experiences unexplained hyperglycemia despite appropriate pump settings and insulin delivery. Which potential technical malfunction of the insulin pump should be prioritized for immediate assessment and troubleshooting?

<p>Occlusion of the infusion set catheter preventing insulin delivery and causing subcutaneous backflow. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For clients receiving parenteral nutrition, monitoring blood glucose levels is essential to detect and manage hyperglycemia. What is the recommended frequency of blood glucose monitoring, especially during the initial phase of TPN administration, to ensure glycemic control and prevent complications?

<p>Every 2-4 hours during the first 24-48 hours of TPN, then every 4-6 hours thereafter. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with a nasogastric tube in place requires medication administration. Considering the physicochemical properties of medications and enteral feeding compatibility, which pharmaceutical dosage form is generally most appropriate for NG tube administration?

<p>Liquid medications or immediate-release tablets that can be crushed and dissolved in water. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When administering medications via a nasogastric tube, flushing the tube with water before and after medication administration is a critical step. What is the primary pharmacological rationale for this pre- and post-medication flushing protocol?

<p>To maintain NG tube patency and prevent medication adherence to the tube lumen, causing occlusion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with advanced Parkinson's disease and oropharyngeal dysphagia exhibits persistent coughing and throat clearing immediately following thin liquid ingestion during a modified barium swallow study. Considering the pathophysiology of Parkinsonian dysphagia and the observed symptomatology, which underlying mechanism is MOST likely contributing to this client's immediate post-swallow cough?

<p>Laryngeal vestibule penetration due to reduced hyolaryngeal excursion and epiglottic inversion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During nasogastric tube insertion, a client with altered mental status suddenly develops acute respiratory distress, characterized by stridor and cyanosis, despite auscultation revealing bilateral breath sounds. Beyond immediate tube removal and oxygen administration, which subsequent intervention is of paramount importance to ascertain the etiology of the respiratory compromise and guide further management?

<p>Perform immediate laryngoscopy to visualize the vocal cords and rule out laryngeal edema or vocal cord paralysis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client receiving continuous enteral nutrition via a jejunostomy tube develops metabolic acidosis, characterized by a serum bicarbonate level of 15 mEq/L and an arterial pH of 7.28. Considering the potential etiologies of metabolic acidosis in enterally fed patients, which factor is MOST likely contributing to this acid-base disturbance in the absence of diarrhea or renal dysfunction?

<p>Excessive chloride content in the enteral formula leading to hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus managed with basal-bolus insulin therapy reports persistent pre-prandial hyperglycemia despite consistent adherence to prescribed insulin dosages and dietary recommendations. Upon review of the client's insulin regimen, which modification strategy targeting the basal insulin component (insulin glargine) would be MOST physiologically sound to optimize fasting glucose control?

<p>Increase the evening dose of insulin glargine to specifically address nocturnal hepatic glucose production. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Following a thyroidectomy complicated by bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, a client exhibits severe dysphonia and profound aspiration risk across all liquid consistencies. Beyond surgical interventions, which therapeutic swallowing maneuver, predicated on compensatory physiological mechanisms, would be MOST appropriate to initially implement to mitigate aspiration during oral intake?

<p>Chin-tuck posture combined with head rotation to the weaker side to redirect bolus flow and protect the airway. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with chronic gastroparesis secondary to diabetic autonomic neuropathy requires long-term jejunal feeding. Considering the altered gastrointestinal physiology in this client population, which enteral formula characteristic would be MOST critical to optimize tolerance and minimize feeding intolerance symptoms such as nausea and abdominal distention?

<p>Isotonic formula with an osmolality closely resembling physiological fluids to minimize osmotic load. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During routine blood glucose monitoring of a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), a reading of 280 mg/dL is obtained. Considering the metabolic pathways affected by TPN infusion, which physiological mechanism is MOST directly responsible for this hyperglycemic response?

<p>Peripheral insulin resistance exacerbated by the high glucose infusion rate of TPN. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with a history of multiple central venous catheter insertions for parenteral nutrition develops a suspected catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). Beyond obtaining blood cultures and initiating empiric antibiotic therapy, which immediate catheter management strategy is generally considered MOST appropriate in a TPN-dependent client with limited venous access?

<p>Catheter salvage with antibiotic lock therapy and systemic antibiotics, reserving removal for persistent infection. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When educating a client on the supraglottic swallow technique, the instruction to 'hold your breath tightly' before swallowing is predicated on which critical physiological principle concerning airway protection during deglutition?

<p>Voluntary closure of the true vocal folds at the glottic level to preemptively shield the airway. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A nurse aspirates gastric contents from a nasogastric tube prior to bolus feeding administration and obtains a pH reading of 5.8. Considering the physiological pH ranges within the gastrointestinal tract and potential confounding factors, which interpretive action is MOST clinically justified?

<p>Delay feeding administration and obtain radiographic confirmation of tube placement due to indeterminate pH. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus and newly diagnosed gastroparesis is prescribed both rapid-acting insulin lispro and intermediate-acting NPH insulin. Considering the altered gastric emptying kinetics associated with gastroparesis, which adjustment to the standard insulin administration protocol is MOST critical to mitigate the risk of hypoglycemia and optimize postprandial glycemic control?

<p>Administer lispro insulin 30 minutes post-meal instead of pre-meal to better align insulin action with delayed gastric emptying. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client receiving home total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a central venous catheter reports sudden onset of pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia. Considering potential TPN-related complications, which acute, life-threatening condition should be prioritized in the differential diagnosis and require immediate intervention?

<p>Central venous catheter thrombosis with pulmonary embolism secondary to thrombus migration. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client with dysphagia is prescribed thickened liquids, specifically honey-thick consistency. Which method is MOST reliable for verifying that a liquid has achieved honey-thick consistency prior to administration, ensuring both safety and therapeutic efficacy?

<p>Using a commercial viscosity measurement device to quantify the liquid's centipoise (cP) value. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For a client receiving bolus enteral feedings via a nasogastric tube, maintaining the head of bed elevation at 30-45 degrees for at least one hour post-feeding is primarily aimed at mitigating aspiration risk through which physiological mechanism?

<p>Utilizing gravity to minimize gastroesophageal reflux and prevent regurgitation of gastric contents. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When administering medications via a nasogastric tube, flushing the tube with water both before and after medication administration is a critical nursing action. What is the PRIMARY pharmacological rationale underpinning this pre- and post-medication flushing protocol?

<p>To verify NG tube patency and prevent occlusion of the tube lumen by viscous or particulate medications. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Overt Aspiration

Food, liquid, or other materials enter the lungs instead of air, causing noticeable symptoms like coughing or wheezing.

Silent Aspiration

Aspiration occurs without obvious symptoms, making it harder to detect.

Thickened Liquids

Liquids modified with gels or powders to increase viscosity, making them easier to swallow and reducing aspiration risk.

Stages of Thickened Liquids

Nectar-like, honey-like and pudding-like are the 3 stages of thickness.

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Assistive Devices

Tools or equipment that help a client perform activities or tasks more easily, promoting independence.

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Chin-Tuck Position

Client holds chin down to chest while swallowing to narrow airway entrance and reduce aspiration risk.

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Rotation of the head to the affected side

Client turns head to affected side, directing food to the stronger side for safer swallowing.

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Tilting of Head to Strong Side

Client tilts head to the strong to help push food down to that side.

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Supraglottic Swallow

Client swallows with breath held, protecting airway, then coughs to clear residual food.

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Mendelsohn Maneuver

Client swallows, holds the swallow for 2–3 seconds, completes, then relaxes.

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Glucose

Sugar in the blood, the body’s primary energy source, derived from ingested food.

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Blood Glucose Monitoring

Procedure to determine a client’s glucose level, essential for managing diabetes.

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Fasting Blood Glucose

Glucose level measured after at least 8 hours of fasting (NPO).

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Hypoglycemia

Condition where blood glucose level falls below 70 mg/dL.

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Insulin

Hormone from pancreatic beta cells that lowers blood glucose by moving sugar into cells.

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Types of Insulin

Rapid, short, intermediate, long and ultra long acting insulins.

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Gastrostomy Tube (G-tube)

A tube delivers nutrition directly into the stomach through the abdomen for those unable to consume enough nutrition independently.

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Nasogastric (NG) Tube

A thin, plastic tube inserted through the nostril and down the esophagus into the stomach, used for nutrition, medication, or suctioning.

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Nasoduodenal Tube

Tube inserted into the nasal passage, extending past the stomach into the duodenum for feedings.

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Nasojejunal (NJ) Tube

A thin, soft tube inserted through the nostril, stomach, and ending in the jejunum of the small intestine.

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Enteral Nutrition

Dietary intake via a medical device (feeding tube) for those with inadequate oral intake.

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Parenteral Nutrition

Dietary intake administered intravenously (IV) for those unable to absorb food adequately.

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Study Notes

Preventing Aspiration

  • Aspiration occurs when substances other than air enter the lungs, potentially due to swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) or poor swallowing reflexes.
  • Medical conditions increasing aspiration risk include stroke, acid reflux, mouth sores, and dental issues.
  • Overt aspiration symptoms: sudden cough, wheezing, breathing trouble, congestion, heartburn, throat clearing, or chest discomfort.
  • Silent aspiration shows no obvious symptoms.
  • Diet modifications for dysphagia: thickening liquids with gels or powders.
  • Liquid consistencies: mildly thick (nectar), moderately thick (honey), extremely thick (pudding).
  • Verify liquid thickness by observing its flow from a tilted spoon after adding thickener.
  • At-risk clients should be assessed for dysphagia and placed on NPO status if aspiration signs are noted, then the provider notified.
  • Tube feedings also pose an aspiration risk, indicated by altered vital signs (decreased O2 saturation, increased heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate) and wheezing.
  • Tube feeding aspiration prevention:
    • Verify initial tube placement with X-ray.
    • Check tube placement every 4 hours via gastric content pH.
    • Check tube feeding tolerance every 4 hours by measuring residual volume.
    • Follow facility policy for residuals greater than 250 mL.
    • Maintain head of bed at 30°–45° during feeding and for 1 hour after bolus feedings.
  • Tube feeding aspiration signs: difficulty or painful breathing, wheezing, productive cough, or fever of 38°C (100.4°F); stop feeding and notify provider.

Assisting with Eating and Feeding

  • Healthcare teams ensure clients receive necessary eating/drinking assistance.
  • Assistance ranges from food texture modification to posture adjustments.
  • Goal: nutritional support and complication prevention.
  • RNs assess swallowing ability before delegating feeding tasks.
  • Nurses promote nutrition by aiding food choices based on diet and preferences, assessing chewing/swallowing ability, and determining support needed.
  • Encourage self-feeding with assistive equipment (special utensils, plates, cups) to promote independence.
  • Position clients upright (90°) in a chair or bed to prevent aspiration before meals.
  • Pre-meal considerations: restroom needs, hand washing, denture placement, hearing aid use, and clutter-free surroundings.
  • Cut food into bite-sized pieces and provide assistance as needed throughout the meal.

Swallowing Techniques

  • Speech therapists teach swallowing techniques to reduce aspiration risk.
  • Refer dysphagia/aspiration risk clients to speech therapists for evaluation.
    • Chin-tuck position: client holds chin to chest while swallowing to narrow airway entrance.
    • Rotation of head to affected side: directs food to strong side for clients with one-sided weakness.
    • Tilting of head to strong side: pushes food down the stronger side.
    • Supraglottic swallow: client holds breath while swallowing, then coughs to remove residual food.
    • Mendelsohn maneuver: Client swallows, holds the peak of the swallow for 2–3 seconds, and then relaxes.

Glucose Monitoring

  • Glucose, from ingested food, is the body's primary energy source.
  • Blood glucose monitoring assesses glucose levels, especially for clients with diabetes.
  • Testing is commonly performed at the bedside using a capillary blood sample and a glucose meter.
  • Blood glucose monitoring evaluates glucose level changes and helps manage diabetes.
  • Check glucose levels to track treatment progress, assess dietary effects, and monitor effects of illness/stress.
  • Common testing times: before/after meals or exercise, before bed, during illness, with new medications, or when routine changes.
  • Fasting blood glucose: level taken after NPO for ≥8 hours.
    • Expected reference range: 70 to 110 mg/dL for non-diabetic clients.
    • <140 mg/dL after eating is within normal range.
  • Hypoglycemia: blood glucose <70 mg/dL.
    • Treatment: consume 15 g of carbohydrates (glucose tablets/gel, 4 oz juice/soda, 1 tbsp honey, hard candy).
    • Recheck glucose after 15 minutes and repeat until ≥70 mg/dL, then eat a meal or snack.
    • Children need less than 15g of carbohydrates Infants (6g), toddlers (8g), and small children (10g).

Insulin

  • Insulin, produced by beta cells in the pancreas, lowers blood glucose by helping cells use glucose or store it.
  • Glucagon, from alpha cells (antagonist), raises blood glucose.
  • Administered by injection into subcutaneous tissue.
  • Dosing: Units (U), typically U-100 (100 units/mL).
    • Rapid-acting: Onset 15–30 min, peak 30 min–3 hr, duration 3–5 hr.
    • Regular/short-acting: Onset 30 min–1 hr, peak 2–4 hr, duration 4–12 hr.
    • Intermediate-acting: Onset 1–2 hr, peak 4–12 hr, duration 14–24 hr.
    • Long-acting: Onset 2–4 hr, duration up to 24 hr.
    • Ultra long-acting: Onset 1 hr, peak 12 hr, duration 24-42 hr.
  • Before administering, check blood glucose and have correct insulin type/dose ready.
  • Avoid injecting into scars or within 2 inches of the navel; avoid bruised, tender, swollen, lumpy, or numb areas.
  • Insert needle at 45° (emaciated/little subcutaneous tissue) or 90° angle (adequate subcutaneous tissue).

Gastrostomy, Nasogastric, and Nasojejunal Intubation

  • Gastrostomy tube (G-tube): Delivers nutrition directly to the stomach, inserted through the abdomen.
    • Used for clients unable to consume adequate nutrition.
    • Placed by a surgeon, typically via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), laparoscopic, or open surgery.
    • Clients must be NPO for at least 8 hours before placement.
    • Can provide total or supplemental nutrition.
  • Nasogastric (NG) tube: Thin tube inserted through nostril, esophagus, and into the stomach.
    • Used for nutrition/medication, or to remove stomach contents (via suction).
    • Placed by RN/PN with competency, requires X-ray verification before use.
  • Nasoduodenal tube: Inserted through nasal passage, past the stomach, into the duodenum.
    • Used for long-term enteral feedings or when gastric feeding is inappropriate.
    • Fluoroscopy can aid placement, X-ray confirms placement.
  • Nasojejunal (NJ) tube: Thin tube inserted through nostril, stomach, and into the jejunum.
    • Used for clients unable to consume enough nutrition, tolerate gastric contents, or have delayed gastric emptying.
    • Allows direct delivery of food, liquids, and medications into the intestines.
    • Placed by a provider using guided radiology, confirmed via X-ray.

Enteral Nutrition

  • Enteral nutrition: Dietary intake via medical device (feeding tube).
    • Prescribed for inadequate oral intake.
    • Used for clients with swallowing impairments or dysphagia.
    • Can provide total sustenance or supplement diet.
  • Advantages: improved nutrition, lower infection incidence, shorter hospital stays.
  • Contraindications: gastrointestinal bleeding, small/large bowel obstruction, bowel ischemia.
  • Can be short- or long-term.

Parenteral Nutrition

  • Parenteral nutrition: Dietary intake administered intravenously (IV).
    • Prevents malnutrition by replacing missing nutrients.
    • Provides proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, electrolytes, and vitamins.
    • Used for clients whose digestive systems cannot absorb or tolerate adequate oral intake.
  • Administered into a large vein through a venous access device.
  • Provider customizes nutrition based on needs and lab results (electrolytes, blood glucose, mineral levels, renal and liver function).
  • Partial parenteral nutrition supplements oral intake.
  • Total parenteral nutrition provides total daily nutritional needs.
    • May be the only option for clients without a functioning GI tract.
    • Complication: hyperglycemia, monitored with frequent blood glucose checks.
    • Insulin dose can be adjusted; subcutaneous insulin may also be used.

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