Which of the following is the correct technique for gravity tube feeding?

Haryana CHO - 2022

Nursing Foundation

Easy

Appeared in: Haryana CHO - 2022

Explanation

Gravity tube feeding relies on hydrostatic pressure, which is controlled by the height of the feeding bag, to regulate the flow rate of the formula.
Hanging the feeding bag approximately 1 foot (12 inches or 30 cm) above the tube's insertion point provides the optimal pressure for a safe and steady flow.
This specific height prevents the formula from infusing too rapidly, which could cause cramping and diarrhea, or too slowly, which could prolong feeding time unnecessarily.

Option B: A residual volume of 25 mL is clinically insignificant and far below the threshold for holding a feed. Normal gastric secretions can easily account for this amount.
Option C: Placing a client in a left lateral position does not protect against gastroesophageal reflux and aspiration, which is a major risk associated with tube feeding.
Option D: Administering cold formula directly from the refrigerator can cause patient discomfort, including gastric cramping, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The question tests the knowledge of the correct procedure and safety precautions for administering an enteral feeding via the gravity drip method as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Proper tube feeding technique is a fundamental nursing skill essential for patient safety, preventing serious complications like aspiration pneumonia, electrolyte imbalances, and gastrointestinal distress.
Aspiration is a life-threatening complication. The two most critical safety checks before any feed are verifying correct tube placement and ensuring proper patient positioning (head of bed elevated).
What if? If the feeding needs to be delivered faster than gravity allows (e.g., for a high-volume feed), a feeding pump would be used instead of the gravity method to ensure a precise and controlled rate of infusion.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the correct procedure for 'gravity tube feeding'.
This is a knowledge-based question that requires recalling standard nursing protocols for enteral nutrition.
Systematically evaluate each option against established best practices:
Option A: Consider the physics of gravity flow. A height of 1 foot (12 inches) is the standard recommendation to create adequate pressure.
Option B: Evaluate the clinical significance of the residual volume. A 25 mL threshold is extremely low and not a standard for withholding a feed.
Option C: Recall safety measures for preventing aspiration. The primary position is head-of-bed elevation, not a lateral position.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The question tests the knowledge of the correct procedure and safety precautions for administering an enteral feeding via the gravity drip method.
Stem keywords: gravity tube feeding, correct technique
Lead-in keywords: Which of the following
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 523-525