When caring for a client with an NG tube and enteral feeding, what should a nurse consistently monitor?

Monitoring gastric residual volumes is essential in the care of a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube and enteral feeding for several important reasons.

First, assessing gastric residual volumes helps evaluate how well the client is tolerating the enteral feeding. High residuals can indicate that the stomach isn’t emptying effectively, which may lead to complications such as aspiration, nausea, or vomiting. Therefore, checking these residuals regularly allows the nurse to determine if the feeding rate needs to be adjusted or if the feeding should be held altogether to prevent potential complications.

Additionally, consistent monitoring of gastric residual volumes plays a key role in ensuring that the client is receiving adequate nutrition. If residuals are consistently high, it may indicate that the feeding formula is not being digested properly, which can impact the client’s nutritional status and overall health.

While daily weights, blood glucose levels, and electrolyte levels are also significant aspects of monitoring for clients receiving enteral nutrition, they serve different purposes and may not directly reflect the immediate tolerance of enteral feedings as gastric residual volumes do. Thus, the focus on residual volumes is critical for the safe and effective management of enteral nutrition.