A client has a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube inserted for tube feedings. Before starting a continuous feeding, the nurse should place the client in which position?
A. Semi-Fowlers
B. Supine
C. Reverse Trendelenburg
D. High Fowler’s
Correct Answer: A. Semi-Fowlers
To prevent aspiration of stomach contents, the nurse should place the client in semi-Fowler’s position. Keep the head of the bed elevated when feeding and for at least a half-hour afterward. Maintaining a sitting position after meals may help decrease aspiration pneumonia in the elderly.
Option B: Position patients with a decreased level of consciousness on their side. This positioning (rescue positioning) decreases the risk for aspiration by promoting the drainage of secretions out of the mouth instead of down the pharynx, where they could be aspirated.
Option C: In the reverse Trendelenburg group, patients are placed in a supine position, which is inclined at a 30-degree angle, so that the head is higher than the pelvis and the leg is lower than the hip.
Option D: High Fowler’s position isn’t necessary and may not be tolerated as well as semi-Fowler’s. During enteral feedings, position the patient with head of bed elevated 30 to 40 degrees; maintain for 30 to 45 minutes after feeding. Keeping the patient’s head elevated helps keep food in the stomach and decreases the incidence of aspiration.
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