During bolus feeding via nasogastric tube, the patient reports chest tightness and anxiety. The nurse should:

During bolus feeding via nasogastric tube, the patient reports chest tightness and anxiety. The nurse should:

• A. Discontinue the administration of the bolus feeding
• B. Continue the administration at the same rate
• C. Pause the feeding to check the tube placement
• D. Flush the tube with water and resume feeding

Answer: (A)

When a patient receiving bolus nutrition through an NG tube reports chest tightness and anxiety, the priority is to protect the airway and prevent aspiration. These symptoms can indicate airway irritation or early respiratory compromise from a feeding entry into the airway or rapid gastric distention. The safest first move is to discontinue the bolus feeding immediately to halt any further risk. After stopping, assess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation, monitor oxygenation, and look for signs of aspiration or distress. Only after the patient is stabilized should you verify tube placement and decide on the feeding plan with the physician. Continuing the feeding would risk worsening possible aspiration, and pausing to check placement or flushing and resuming without addressing the distress could delay essential intervention.

When a patient receiving bolus nutrition through an NG tube reports chest tightness and anxiety, the priority is to protect the airway and prevent aspiration. These symptoms can indicate airway irritation or early respiratory compromise from a feeding entry into the airway or rapid gastric distention. The safest first move is to discontinue the bolus feeding immediately to halt any further risk. After stopping, assess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation, monitor oxygenation, and look for signs of aspiration or distress. Only after the patient is stabilized should you verify tube placement and decide on the feeding plan with the physician. Continuing the feeding would risk worsening possible aspiration, and pausing to check placement or flushing and resuming without addressing the distress could delay essential intervention.