The home health nurse evaluates the provision of intermittent tube feedings by the patient's family member.The nurse notes that additional teaching is required when she notices that the family member:

A) keeps the formula refrigerated between feedings.
B) keeps the feeding tube capped between feedings.
C) begins the feeding before checking tube placement.
D) irrigates the tube with 30 to 60 mL of water before and after feedings.

For intermittent tube-fed patients,test placement immediately before each feeding and before each administration of medication.Each administration of feeding/medication can lead to aspiration if the tube is displaced.For intermittent feeding,have a syringe ready and be sure that the formula is at room temperature.When tube feedings are not being administered,cap or clamp the proximal end of the feeding tube.Draw up in the syringe 30 mL of normal saline or tap water.This amount of solution will flush the length of the tube.