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For an infant with a nasogastric tube, what nursing action is appropriate between feedings?

  1. Position the head of the crib at a 30° angle between feedings.

  2. Place the infant on her left side after a feeding.

  3. Administer feedings over 5 min.

  4. Flush the tube with 30 mL of tap water.

The correct answer is: Position the head of the crib at a 30° angle between feedings.

Maintaining the head of the crib at a 30° angle between feedings is an appropriate nursing action for an infant with a nasogastric tube. This position helps to promote gastric emptying and reduces the risk of aspiration, which is a significant concern in infants who have feeding tubes. Keeping the infant in this slightly elevated position also aids in preventing gastroesophageal reflux, allowing for a safer and more comfortable experience between feedings. Other options, while they may seem reasonable in different contexts, do not specifically align with the primary goal of providing safe and effective care for an infant with a nasogastric tube. For instance, placing the infant on her left side after a feeding may help with gastrointestinal motility, but it is not a universally recommended position for all infants with nasogastric tubes. Administering feedings over 5 minutes is not a standard protocol; rather, gradual feeding rates are based on clinical guidelines and the specific needs of the infant. Flushing the tube with tap water might be appropriate in some circumstances, but it is essential to follow institutional protocols regarding tube feeding and maintenance, and it is not a routine action between feedings.