# Clinical context A client receiving continuous enteral nutrition has a pump occlusion alarm after a crushed medication; the feeding tube will not flush and the external tubing has not yet been fully assessed. Which actions are appropriate when an enteral feeding tube becomes clogged? Select exactly 4 responses.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=603002&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Interactions  
> category: PPT

## Question

Clinical context
A client receiving continuous enteral nutrition has a pump occlusion alarm after a crushed medication; the feeding tube will not flush and the external tubing has not yet been fully assessed.

Which actions are appropriate when an enteral feeding tube becomes clogged? Select exactly 4 responses.

Select exactly 4 responses.

1

Review medication preparation and flushing practices to prevent recurrence.

2

Use warm water with gentle push-pull pressure as the first declogging approach.

3

If warm water fails, advance a smaller-bore insertion stylet with gentle pressure to open the lumen.

4

Instill diluted cranberry juice after checking compatibility because its acidity improves medication clogs.

5

Check the tubing for a clamp, kink, or closed connector.

6

Use the prescribed enzyme-based declogging method if water is unsuccessful.

## Explanation

Safe declogging begins with mechanical checks and warm water using gentle pressure. An authorized enzyme method can follow if water fails, and the team should correct the medication or flushing process that caused the clog.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
Use check, warm water, approved escalation, and prevention review.

Why this is correct
Rigid objects can perforate the tube, and acidic beverages can worsen formula-related precipitation or damage the device rather than reliably clearing it.

Easy analogy or mental picture
Treat every infusion as a controlled clinical system: verify the product and access, recognize a changing cue, stop preventable exposure, stabilize the client, and confirm the response.

Memory hook
Product, access, compatibility, infusion cue, protective action, and reassessment.

NCLEX decision rule
Choose the action that prevents the most immediate infusion-related harm while preserving vascular access and the ordered diagnostic evidence.

Why the other choices are wrong
Options that restart a suspect product, bypass a safety device, force an occluded tube, or delay reassessment can convert a reversible warning into serious harm.References
1ASPEN Safe Practices for Enteral Nutrition TherapyTube-location verification, water flushing, separate medication administration, and evidence-based clog prevention and management

## Clinical scenario

Clinical context
A client receiving continuous enteral nutrition has a pump occlusion alarm after a crushed medication; the feeding tube will not flush and the external tubing has not yet been fully assessed.

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