A drowsy client is receiving continuous gastric tube feeding. Which nursing action best reduces the risk for aspiration while the feeding is running?

1 Position the client supine and defer repositioning until the prescribed feeding ends
2 Maintain head elevation at 30 to 45 degrees and verify tube placement before use ✓ Correct answer
3 Lower the head to 10 degrees and increase the rate to shorten feeding time
4 Keep the client flat and provide oral suction after coughing begins

Explanation

A semirecumbent position reduces reflux and aspiration during gastric feeding. Unless contraindicated, keep the head of the bed elevated 30 to 45 degrees and verify tube placement according to policy. Supine positioning and faster feeding increase aspiration risk.

Next question on this topicA client with limited mobility has nonblanchable redness over the sacrum. Which interventi…

In-depth explanation

Quick answer
Keep the head of the bed at 30 to 45 degrees and verify feeding-tube placement according to policy.

Why this is correct
Elevation uses gravity to reduce reflux of gastric contents toward the airway. Confirming tube position adds another safety check before formula continues through the intended route.

Easy analogy or mental picture
Raising the upper body is like keeping liquid at the lower end of a tilted container. Gravity lowers reflux risk, but the comparison does not guarantee aspiration cannot occur or replace tube-position checks.

Memory hook
Enteral feeding safety: correct tube, elevated head, watch for intolerance.

NCLEX decision rule
For gastric tube feeding, choose semirecumbent positioning and placement verification over supine positioning or attempts to finish the feeding faster.

Why the other choices are wrong
Supine or nearly flat positioning promotes reflux, and increasing the rate raises gastric volume. Waiting for coughing means prevention has already failed and does not address silent aspiration.

References

[1]
NCSBN: 2026 NCLEX-RN Test PlanNational Council of State Boards of Nursing
[2]
Head of Bed Elevation or Semirecumbent Positioning Literature ReviewAgency for Healthcare Research and Quality
[3]
ASPEN Safe Practices for Enteral Nutrition TherapyAmerican Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition

Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
For Sacral pressure injury prevention, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.

Caution
Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.

Key concepts

Pressure Injury — Localized damage to skin or underlying tissue from pressure or shear.
Nonblanchable Redness — Redness that does not turn white with pressure and suggests tissue injury.
Repositioning — Changing body position to reduce pressure and improve comfort.

Browse all questions No login required

Master the NCLEX-RN with MyMerci

Thousands of NCLEX-style questions with detailed rationale — in your language. Track your progress and study smarter.

Start for free

App Store Google Play

Read in another language: English 한국어 日本語繁體中文 Tiếng Việt

For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols.

성장을 멈추지 마세요

A drowsy client is receiving continuous gastric tube feeding. Which nursing action best reduces the risk for aspiration while the feeding is running?

In-depth explanation

Clinical scenario

Key concepts

Master the NCLEX-RN with MyMerci