Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 2210 of 2368
A client begins to cough and becomes short of breath during a tube feeding. What should the nurse do?
- Withhold the feeding and notify the provider immediately
- Slow the feeding rate and continue
- Lower the head of the bed to rest the client
- Flush the tube and resume the feeding
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Correct answer: Withhold the feeding and notify the provider immediately
These symptoms may indicate aspiration. Feedings and medications are withheld until placement is verified.
Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Enteral Tube Management: Assessing Tube Placement. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026