Which practice most supports safe enteral feeding via NG tube?

Which practice most supports safe enteral feeding via NG tube?

• A. Flush tubing with 15 mL after feeding
• B. Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees before feeding
• C. Auscultate bowel sounds after feeding
• D. Give the formula cold prior to administration

Answer: (B)

Preventing aspiration is the main safety concern with NG-tube feeds. Elevating the head of the bed to 30–45 degrees helps keep gastric contents low in the stomach and reduces the chance that they will reflux into the esophagus and be aspirated into the lungs. This position should be maintained during the feeding and for a period afterward to maximize protection. Flushing the tubing after feeding helps keep the line patent, which is important but does not directly prevent aspiration. Listening for bowel sounds after feeding isn’t a reliable safety check and doesn’t address the risk of aspirating formula. Giving cold formula isn’t a safety measure and can cause discomfort; the critical factor for safety is maintaining an upright position to minimize reflux and aspiration risk.

Preventing aspiration is the main safety concern with NG-tube feeds. Elevating the head of the bed to 30–45 degrees helps keep gastric contents low in the stomach and reduces the chance that they will reflux into the esophagus and be aspirated into the lungs. This position should be maintained during the feeding and for a period afterward to maximize protection.

Flushing the tubing after feeding helps keep the line patent, which is important but does not directly prevent aspiration. Listening for bowel sounds after feeding isn’t a reliable safety check and doesn’t address the risk of aspirating formula. Giving cold formula isn’t a safety measure and can cause discomfort; the critical factor for safety is maintaining an upright position to minimize reflux and aspiration risk.