A nurse is taking care of a client with acute peritonitis.
The nurse should do which of the following to meet the client's nutritional needs?
A nurse is taking care of a client with acute peritonitis.
The nurse should do which of the following to meet the client's nutritional needs?
A. administer feedings via nasogastric (NG) tube
[21%]
B. administer gastric enteral feedings
[6%]
C. feed the client orally
[11%]
D. administer parenteral nutrition
[62%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Nutrition
Lesson
Nutrition
Client Need
Test Plan
Basic Care and Comfort
Related Topic
Nutrition and Oral Hydration
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice D is correct. All clients with acute peritonitis should be NPO until the cause of the peritonitis has been identified and fully addressed. When collaborating with the healthcare provider, the nurse should obtain an order for the client to be NPO. The gastrointestinal tract is provided time to rest and recover, as food is no longer being administered through the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, the NPO status allows flexibility regarding any surgical needs the client may require. Depending on the duration and severity of the peritonitis, clients may require parenteral nutrition.
Choice A is incorrect. Although the client likely has a nasogastric (NG) tube, the NG tube is in place to decompress the client's bowel, not to be used for feedings.
Choice B is incorrect. An enteral feeding (or gastric enteral feeding) is a feeding delivered to the traditional gastrointestinal tract. Here, the nurse would collaborate with the healthcare provider to make the client be NPO, as the client is currently suffering from acute peritonitis and should, therefore, not receive an enteral feeding.
Choice C is incorrect. Any client currently experiencing acute peritonitis would need an order from the healthcare provider to be NPO. Therefore, the client would not be eligible to be fed orally. Doing so would likely harm the client.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Abdomen
14.6 Integumentary & System-Focused Assessment
Additional Info
✓ Parenteral nutrition provides nutrients to the client by bypassing the digestive system. The two forms of parenteral nutrition are peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) and total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
✓ If an NGT is inserted for decompression or drainage, monitor its placement and function. Ensure that the NGT is properly secured and functioning to prevent complications. Monitor and document the characteristics of NGT drainage.
✓ Continuously assess for signs of potential complications, such as sepsis, abscess formation, or bowel perforation. Promptly report any concerning symptoms, such as increased abdominal pain, fever, or changes in bowel habits.
