Prep U Ch 45 Digestive and Gastrointestinal Tx Modalities
Which of the following is a nasoenteric feeding tube?
Dobbhoff The Dobbhoff tube is a nasoentreric feeding tube. Nasogastric tubes include Levin, a gastric sump, and Sengstaken-Blakemore tubes.
The physician orders the insertion of a single lumen nasogastric tube. When gathering the equipment for the insertion, the nurse would select which of the following?
Levin tube Rationale: A Levin tube is a single lumen nasogastric tube. A Salem sump tube is a double lumen nasogastric tube; a Sengsten-Blakemore tube is a triple lumen nasogastric tube. A Miller-Abbott tube is a double lumen nasoenteric tube
A nurse is caring for a patient with a Salem sump gastric tube attached to low intermittent suction for decompression. The patient asks, "What's this blue part of the tube for?" Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
"It is a vent that prevents backflow of the secretions." Rationale: The blue part of the Salem sump tube vents the larger suction-drainage tube to the atmosphere and, when kept above the patient's waist, prevents reflux of gastric contents through it. Otherwise it acts as a siphon. A gauge on the suction device regulates the pressure of the device. The tube has markings on it to aid in measurement.
A nurse measures the residual gastric volume of a patient receiving intermittent tube feedings. The patient's last residual volume was 250 mL. Which finding would lead the nurse to notify the physician?
225 mL Rationale: If a residual volume greater than 200 mL is obtained twice, the nurse would need to notify the physician. A single residual volume of 200 mL or more does not indicate a need to withhold a feeding. Feedings may be continued in patients as long as there is close monitoring of gastric residual volume trends, x-ray study results, and the patient's physical status.
The nurse is administering a tube feeding to a patient via intermittent gravity drip method. The nurse should administer the feeding over at least which period of time?
30 minutes Rationale: Tube feedings administered via intermittent gravity drip should be administered over 30 minutes or longer.
A patient is receiving continuous tube feedings via a small bore feeding tube. The nurse irrigates the tube after administering medication to maintain patency. Which size syringe would the nurse use?
30-mL Rationale: When small-bore feeding tubes for continuous tube feedings are used and irrigated after administration of medications, a 30-mL or larger syringe is necessary, because the pressure generated by smaller syringes could rupture the tube.
As part of the process of checking the placement of a nasogastric tube, the nurse checks the pH of the aspirate. Which pH finding would indicate to the nurse that the tube is in the stomach?
4 Rationale: Gastric secretions are acidic and have a pH ranging from 1 to 5. Intestinal aspirate is typically 6 or higher; respiratory aspirate is more alkaline, usually 7 or greater.
A client is recovering from percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement. The nurse
Administers an initial bolus of 50 mL water Rationale: The first fluid nourishment may consist of water, saline, or 10% dextrose. This may be administered as a bolus of 30 to 60 mL. By the second day, formula feeding may begin. A gauze dressing is applied between the tube insertion site and the gastrostomy tube. The dressing is changed daily or as needed. The nurse gently manipulates the stabilizing disk daily to prevent skin breakdown.
A nonresponsive client has a nasogastric tube to low intermittent suction due to gastrointestinal bleeding. It is most important for the nurse to
Auscultate lung sounds every 4 hours. Rationale: Pulmonary complications may occur as a result of nasogastric intubation. It is a high priority according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs and takes a higher priority over assessing the nose, changing nasal tape, or applying a water-based lubricant
The primary source of microorganisms for catheter-related infections include the skin and which of the following?
Catheter hub Rationale: The primary sources of microorganisms for catheter-related infections are the skin and the catheter hub. The catheter site is covered with an occlusive gauze dressing that is usually changed every other day.
A nurse providing care to a patient who is receiving nasogastric tube feedings finds that the tube is clogged. Which of the following would be least appropriate to use to unclog the tube?
Cranberry juice Rationale: To unclog a feeding tube, air insufflation, digestive enzymes mixed with warm water, or a commercial enzyme product could be used. Cola and cranberry juice are no longer advocated for use in clearing a clogged tube
To ensure patency of central venous line ports, diluted heparin flushes are used in which of the following situations?
Daily when not in use Rationale: Daily instillation of dilute heparin flush when a port is not in use will maintain the port. Continuous infusion maintains the patency of each port. Heparin flushes are used after each intermittent infusion. Heparin flushes are used after blood drawing in order to prevent clotting of blood within the port. Heparin flush of ports is not necessary if a line is to be discontinued
The nurse is to administer a cyclic feeding through a gastric tube. It is most important for the nurse to
Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees. Rationale: All the options are things that the nurse will do when administering a cyclic tube feeding. Elevating the head of the bed to 30 to 45 degrees assists in preventing aspiration into the lungs. This is a priority according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
A patient is receiving nasogastric tube feedings. The intake and output record for the past 24 hours reveals an intake of 3100 mL and an output of 2400 mL. The nurse identifies which nursing diagnosis as most likely?
Excess fluid volume Rationale: The patient's intake and output record reflects a greater intake than output, suggesting excess fluid volume. No information suggests that the patient's nutritional balance is at risk, even with nasogastric tube feedings. Deficient fluid volume would be appropriate if the patient's output exceeded input. No information indicates that the patient is experiencing difficulty with urination.
Rebound hypoglycemia is a complication of parenteral nutrition caused by which of the following?
Feedings stopped too abruptly Rationale: Rebound hypoglycemia occurs when the feedings are stopped too abruptly. Hyperglycemia is caused by glucose intolerance. Fluid overload is caused by fluids infusing too rapidly. An air embolism can occur from a cap missing on a port
Gastrostomy feedings are preferred to nasogastric feedings in the comatose patient, because the:
Gastroesophageal sphincter is intact, lessening the possibility of regurgitation and aspiration. Rationale: Gastrostomy is preferred over NG feedings in the patient who is comatose because the gastroesophageal sphincter remains intact. Regurgitation and aspiration are less likely to occur with a gastrostomy than with NG feedings.
The nurse inserts a nasoduodenal tube for feeding of the client. To check best for placement, the nurse
Verifies location with an abdominal x-ray Rationale: Initially, an x-ray should be used to confirm placement of the nasoduodenal tube. It is the most accurate method to verify tube placement.
The client is experiencing swallowing difficulties and is now scheduled to receive a gastric feeding. She has the following oral medications prescribed: furosemide (Lasix), digoxin, enteric coated aspirin (Ecotrin), and vitamin E. The nurse withholds
enteric coated aspirin Rationale: Simple compressed tablets (furosemide, digoxin) may be crushed and dissolved in water. Soft gelatin capsules filled with liquid (vitamin E) may be opened, and the contents squeezed out. Enteric coated tablets (enteric coated aspirin) are not to be crushed and a change in the form of the medications is required.
Intervention for a person who has swallowed strong acid includes a number of interventions depending on the type and amount of corrosive agent involved. Select all the actions that apply
• Aspirate secretions from the pharynx if respirations are affected. • Neutralize the chemical. • Wash the esophagus with large volumes of water. Rationale: Vomiting and gastric lavage are contraindicated to avoid further injury.
A client with a nasogastric tube set to low intermittent suction is receiving D51/2NS at 100 mL/hr. The nurse has identified a nursing diagnosis of deficient fluid volume. Which of the following are data that support this diagnosis? Select all that apply.
• Urine output that decreased from 60 to 40 mL/hr • Heart rate that increased from 82 to 98 beats/min within 2 hours • Fluid output of 2150 mL and total fluid intake of 2000 mL for the past 24 hours Rationale: Data supporting a nursing diagnosis of deficient fluid volume include dry skin and mucus membranes, decreased urinary output, lethargy, and increased heart rate.
The nurse inserts a nasogastric tube into the right nares of a patient. When testing the tube aspirate for pH to confirm placement, what does the nurse anticipate the pH will be if placement is in the lungs?
6 Rationale: Determining the pH of the tube aspirate is a more accurate method of confirming tube placement than is maintaining tube length or visually assessing tube aspirate. The pH method can also be used to monitor the advancement of the tube into the small intestine. The pH of gastric aspirate is acidic (1 to 5), typically less than 4. The pH of intestinal aspirate is approximately 6 or higher, and the pH of respiratory aspirate is more alkaline
Hickman and Groshong are examples of which type of central venous access device?
Tunneled central catheters Hickman and Groshong catheters are examples of tunneled central catheters. MediPort is an implanted port. A percutaneous subclavian Arrow is an example of a nontunneled central catheter. A PICC line is used for intermediate-term IV therapy for the hospital, long-term care, or the home setting.
Semi-Fowler's position is maintained for at least which time frame following completion of an intermittent tube feeding?
1 hour Rationale: The semi-Fowler's position is necessary for an NG feeding with the patient's head elevated at least 30 to 45 degrees to reduce the risk for reflux and pulmonary aspiration. This position is maintained for at least 1 hour after completion of an intermittent tube feeding and is maintained at all times for patients receiving continuous tube feedings.
A client newly diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia has a right subclavian central venous catheter in place. The nurse who's caring for the client is teaching a graduate nurse about central venous catheter care. The nurse should instruct the graduate nurse to change the central venous catheter dressing every:
48 hours. Rationale: The nurse should instruct the graduate nurse to change the central venous catheter dressing every 48 hours or when the dressing becomes damaged or soiled.
A patient is receiving a continuous tube feeding. The nurse notes that the feeding tube was last irrigated at 2 p.m. The nurse would plan to irrigate the tube again at which time?
6 p.m. to 8 p.m Rationale: The recommendation is to irrigate the feeding tube of patients receiving continuous tube feedings every 4 to 6 hours. For this patient, the nurse would irrigate the tube next at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
If a client's central venous catheter accidentally becomes disconnected, what should a nurse do first?
Clamp the catheter. Rationale: If a central venous catheter becomes disconnected, the nurse should immediately apply a catheter clamp. If a clamp isn't available, the nurse may place a sterile syringe or catheter plug in the catheter hub. After cleaning the hub with alcohol or povidone-iodine solution, the nurse must replace the I.V. extension set and restart the infusion. Calling the physician, applying a dry sterile dressing to the site, and telling the client to take a deep breath aren't appropriate interventions at this time
Daily instillation of dilute heparin flush when a port is not in use will maintain the port. Continuous infusion maintains the patency of each port. Heparin flushes are used after each intermittent infusion. Heparin flushes are used after blood drawing in order to prevent clotting of blood within the port. Heparin flush of ports is not necessary if a line is to be discontinued
Diarrhea Rationale: Clients with a gastrojejunostomy are at risk for developing the dumping syndrome when they begin to take solid food. This syndrome produces weakness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, which result from the rapid emptying (dumping) of large amounts of hypertonic chyme (a liquid mass of partly digested food) into the jejunum. This concentrated solution in the gut draws fluid from the circulating blood into the intestine, causing hypovolemia. The drop in blood pressure can produce syncope. As the syndrome progresses, the sudden appearance of carbohydrates in the jejunum stimulates the pancreas to secrete excessive amounts of insulin, which in turn causes hypoglycemia.
A client has been receiving intermittent tube feedings for several days at home. The nurse notes the findings as shown in the accompanying documentation. The nurse reports the following as an adverse reaction to the tube feeding:
Fasting blood glucose level Rationale: An adverse reaction to tube feedings is an elevated blood glucose level. The physical assessment data and renal function and liver function studies are normal.
The nurse assesses a patient who recently had a nasoenteric intubation. Symptoms of oliguria, lethargy, and tachycardia in the patient would indicate to the nurse what common complication?
Fluid volume deficit Rationale: Symptoms of fluid volume deficit include dry skin and mucous membranes, decreased urinary output, lethargy, lightheadedness, hypotension, and increased heart rate.
The nurse is to discontinue a nasogastric tube that had been used for decompression. The first thing the nurse does is
Flush with 10 mL of water. Rationale: Before a nasogastric tube is removed, the nurse flushes the tube with 10 mL of water or normal saline to ensure that the tube is free of debris and away from the gastric tissue. The tape keeps the tube in the correct position while flushing is occurring and is then removed from the nose. The nurse then withdraws the tube gently for 6 to 8 inches until the tip reaches the esophagus, and then the remainder of the tube is withdrawn rapidly from the nostril. After the tube is removed, the nurse provides oral hygiene
A client has a gastrointestinal tube that enters the stomach through a surgically created opening in the abdominal wall. The nurse documents this as which of the following?
Gastrostomy tube Rationale: A gastrostomy tube enters the stomach through a surgically created opening into the abdominal wall. A jejunostomy tube enters jejunum or small intestine through a surgically created opening into the abdominal wall. A nasogastric tube passes through the nose into the stomach via the esophagus. An orogastric tube passes through the mouth into the stomach.
The following appears on the medical record of a male patient receiving parenteral nutrition: WBC: 6500/cu mm Potassium 4.3 mEq/L Magnesium 2.0 mg/dL Calcium 8.8 mg/dL Glucose 190 mg/dL Which finding would alert the nurse to a problem?
Glucose level Rationale: Of the values listed, only the glucose level is above normal, indicating hyperglycemia, a potential complication of parenteral nutrition.
The nurse is conducting discharge education for a patient who is to go home with parenteral nutrition (PN). The nurse sees that the patient understands the education when the patient indicates which of the following is a sign and/or symptom of metabolic complications?
Loose, watery stools Rationale: When the patient indicates that loose watery stools are a sign/symptom of metabolic complications, the nurse evaluates that the patient understands the teaching of metabolic complications. Signs and symptoms of metabolic complications from PN include neuropathies, mentation changes, diarrhea, nausea, skin changes, and decreased urine output.
The nurse is caring for a patient who is at receiving continuous enteral tube feedings who is at low risk for aspiration. The nurse assesses the gastric residual volume to be 350 mL. Which of the following is the correct action by the nurse?
Monitor the feeding closely. Rationale: High residual volumes (>200 mL) should alert the nurse to monitor the patient more closely. Increasing the feeding rate will increase the residual volume. Lowering the head of the bed increases the patient's risk for aspiration
The nurse observes dry mucous membranes in a client who is receiving tube feedings after an oral surgery. The client also complains of unpleasant tastes and odors. Which of the following measures should be included in the client's plan of care?
Provide frequent mouth care. Rationale: Frequent mouth care helps to relieve the discomfort from dryness and unpleasant odors and tastes. It can be done with the help of ice chips and analgesic throat lozenges, gargles, or sprays. Adequate hydration is essential. If urine output is less than less than 500 mL/day, formula and additional water can be given as ordered. Keeping the feeding formula refrigerated and unopened until it is ready for use and flushing the tube with water before adding feedings are measures to protect the client from infections.
When a central venous catheter dressing becomes moist or loose, what should a nurse do first?
Remove the dressing, clean the site, and apply a new dressing. Rationale: A nurse maintaining a central venous catheter should change the dressing every 72 hours or when it becomes soiled, moist, or loose. After removing the soiled dressing, the nurse should use sterile technique to clean around the site in accordance with facility policy. After the cleaning solution has dried, the nurse should cover the site with a transparent semipermeable dressing. A nurse who notes drainage on a wound dressing should draw a circle around the moist spot and note the date and time. She should notify the physician if she observes any catheter-related complications. Only a nurse with the appropriate qualifications may remove a central venous catheter, and a moist or loose dressing isn't a reason to remove the catheter.
The nurse is inserting a Levin tube for a patient for gastric decompression. The tube should be inserted to 6 to 10 cm beyond what length?
The distance measured from the tip of the nose to the earlobe and from the earlobe to the xiphoid process Rationale: Before inserting the tube, the nurse determines the length that will be needed to reach the stomach or the small intestine. A mark is made on the tube to indicate the desired length. This length is traditionally determined by (1) measuring the distance from the tip of the nose to the earlobe and from the earlobe to the xiphoid process, and (2) adding up to 15 cm (6 in) for NG placement or at least 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) or more for intestinal placement.
The nurse is teaching an unlicensed caregiver about bathing patients who are receiving tube feedings. Which of the following is the most significant complication related to continuous tube feedings?
The potential for aspiration Rationale: Because the normal swallowing mechanism is bypassed, consideration of the danger of aspiration must be foremost in the mind of the nurse caring for the patient receiving continuous tube feedings. Tube feedings preserve GI integrity by intraluminal delivery of nutrients. Tube feedings preserve the normal sequence of intestinal and hepatic metabolism. Tube feedings maintain fat metabolism and lipoprotein synthesis.
The nurse is monitoring a patient with nasoenteric intubation. The nurse contacts the physician when which of the following is noted?
Urinary output 20 mL/hr Rationale: The nurse should notify the physician when the patient has a urinary output of 20 mL/hr as this is a decreased urinary rate. Decreased urinary output, lethargy, lightheadedness, hypotension, and increased heart rate are signs and symptoms of fluid volume deficit. A heart rate of 100, BP of 118/72, and moist mucous membranes are findings that are within acceptable ranges/limits and do not indicate a fluid volume deficit.
The nurse checks residual content before each intermittent tube feeding. When should the patient be reassessed?
When the residual is greater than 200 mL Rationale: Although a residual volume of 200 mL or greater is generally considered a cause for concern in patients at high risk for aspiration, feedings do not necessarily need to be withheld in all patients.
Initially, which diagnostic should be completed following placement of a NG tube?
X-ray Rationale: Initially an X-ray should be used to confirm tube placement. Subsequently, each time liquids or medications are administered, as well as once per shift for continuous feedings, a combination of three methods is recommended: measurement of tube length, visual assessment of aspirate, and pH measurement of aspirate.
The patient is on a continuous tube feeding. The tube placement should be checked every
shift. Rationale: Each nurse caring for the patient is responsible for verifying that the tube is located in the proper area for continuous feeding. Checking for placement each hour is unnecessary unless the patient is extremely restless or there is basis for rechecking the tube based on other patient activities. Checking for placement every 12 or 24 hours does not meet the standard of care due the patient receiving continuous tube feedings
A nurse is caring for a patient receiving parenteral nutrition at home. The patient was discharged from the acute care facility 4 days ago. Which of the following would the nurse include in the patient's plan of care? Select all that apply
• Intake and output monitoring • Calorie counts for oral nutrients • Daily weights Rationale: For the patient receiving parenteral nutrition at home, the nurse would obtain daily weights initially, decreasing them to two to three times per week once the patient is stable. Intake and output monitoring also is necessary to evaluate fluid status. Calorie counts of oral nutrients are used to provide additional information about the patient's nutritional status. Transparent dressings are changed weekly. Activity is encouraged based on the patient's ability to maintain muscle tone. Strict bedrest is not appropriate
A nurse suspects that a patient is developing rebound hypoglycemia secondary to parenteral nutrition being discontinued too rapidly. Which of the following would support the nurse's suspicions? Select all that apply.
• Shakiness • Tachycardia • Weakness • Confusion Rationale: Signs and symptoms of rebound hypoglycemia include weakness, faintness, sweating, shakiness, feeling cold, confusion, and increased heart rate.
A patient is receiving parenteral nutrition. The current solution is nearing completion, and a new solution is to be hung, but it has not arrived from the pharmacy. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Hang a solution of dextrose 10% and water until the new solution is available Rationale: The infusion rate of the solution should not be increased or decreased; if the solution is to run out, a solution of 10% dextrose and water is used until the next solution is available. Having someone go to the pharmacy would be appropriate, but there is no way to determine if the person will arrive back before the solution runs out. Starting another infusion would be inappropriate. Additionally, the infusion needs to be maintained through the central venous access device to maintain patency.
A nurse prepares a patient for insertion of a nasoenteric tube. The nurse should position the patient:
In high-Fowler's position. Rationale: The patient should sit upright with some type of protective bib-like barrier. Privacy and adequate light are necessary. The tip of the nose is tilted and the tube aligned to enter the nostril following the floor of the nose, not upward toward the nasal bridge
A nurse is inserting a nasogastric tube in an alert client. During the procedure, the client begins to cough constantly and has difficulty breathing. The nurse suspects the nasogastric tube is
Inserted into the lungs Rationale: The alert client may cough constantly and have difficulty with respirations when the nasogastric tube enters the lungs. The client may cough but will not have difficulty with respirations with the nasogastric tube coiling in the mouth or irritating the epiglottis. Usually if the nastogastric tube is entering the esophagus, the client will not exhibit coughing or dyspnea.
The nurse is managing a gastric (Salem) sump tube for a patient who has an intestinal obstruction and will be going to surgery. What interventions should the nurse perform to make sure the tube is functioning properly?
Keep the vent lumen above the patient's waist to prevent gastric content reflux. Rationale: The blue vent lumen should be kept above the patient's waist to prevent reflux of gastric contents through it; otherwise, it acts as a siphon.
A client is receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) through a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) and will be discharged home with PN. The home health nurse evaluates the home setting and makes a recommendation when noting the following:
No land line; cell phone available and taken by family member during working hours Rationale: A telephone is necessary for the client receiving PN for emergency purposes. Water, refrigeration, and electricity are available, even if the circumstances are not optimal.
A client recovering from gastric bypass surgery accidentally removes the nasogastric tube. It is best for the nurse to
Notify the surgeon about the tube's removal. Rationale: If the nasogastric tube is removed accidently in a client who has undergone esophageal or gastric surgery, it is usually replaced by the physician. Care is taken to avoid trauma to the suture line. The nurse will not insert the tube to the esophagus or to the stomach in this situation. The nurse needs to do more than just document its removal. The nurse needs to notify the physician who will make a determination of leaving out or inserting a new nasogastric tube.
Which of the following is the best noninvasive means of unclogging tubes?
Pancreatic enzymes and water Rationale: Cola and cranberry juice have historically been recommended as effective, noninvasive means of unclogging tubes. Evidence indicates that a mixture of pancreatic enzymes and water is superior in restoring the patency of feeding tubes.
The nurse is caring for a patient who has a gastrostomy tube feeding. Upon initiating her care, the nurse aspirates the gastrotomy tube for gastric residual volume (GRV) and obtains 200 mL of gastric contents. What is the priority action by the nurse?
Place the patient in a semi-Fowler's position with the head of the bed at 45 degrees. Rationale: Feedings and medications should always be administered with the patient in the semi-Fowler's position, and the patient's head should be elevated at least 30 to 45 degrees to reduce the risk of reflux and pulmonary aspiration. This position is maintained at least 1 hour after completion of an intermittent tube feeding and is maintained at all times for patients receiving continuous tube feedings.
Which of the following is caused by improper catheter placement and inadvertent puncture of the pleura?
Pneumothorax Rationale: A pneumothorax is caused by improper catheter placement and inadvertent puncture of the pleura. Air embolism can occur from a missing cap on a port. Sepsis can be caused by the separation of dressings. Fluid overload is caused by fluids infusing too rapidly.
The nurse caring for a patient who is receiving feedings through a nasogastric (NG) tube is assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of pulmonary complications. The nurse determines that the patient may be experiencing pulmonary complications when which of the following is noted?
Respiratory rate of 30 Rationale: The nurse determines that the patient may be having pulmonary complications when the respiratory rate is 30, indicating tachypnea. Other signs/symptoms of pulmonary complications include coughing during food or medication administration, difficulty clearing the airway, and fever.
A nurse is inserting a nasogastric tube for feeding a client. Place in order the steps from 1 to 6 for correctly inserting the tube.
Sit the client in an upright position Apply gloves to the nurse's hands Measure the length of the tube that will be inserted Apply water-soluble lubricant to the tip of the tube Tilt the client's nose upward Instruct the client to lower the head and swallow Rationale: To safely insert a nasogastric tube, the nurse sits the client upright first. The nurse then applies gloves, measures the tube length, and applies lubricant to the tip of the nasogastric tube. Next, the nurse tilts the client's nose upward while inserting the tube. When the tube is at the nasopharynx area, the nurse instructs the client to lower the head and swallow.
A graduate nurse is cleaning a central venous access device (CVAD) and is being evaluated by the preceptor nurse. The preceptor nurse makes a recommendation for relearning the skill when she notes the graduate nurse does the following action:
Wipes catheter ports from distal end to insertion site Rationale: Proper cleansing of a CVAD includes cleaning the insertion site with a chlorhexidine solution in a circular motion from insertion site outward. The nurse will obtain another pair of sterile gloves to perform the procedure if contamination of gloves occurs. The nurse cleanses from insertion site outward to distal catheter ports.
A client who can't tolerate oral feedings begins receiving intermittent enteral feedings. When monitoring for evidence of intolerance to these feedings, the nurse must remain alert for:
diaphoresis, vomiting, and diarrhea Rationale: The nurse must monitor for diaphoresis, vomiting, and diarrhea because these signs suggest an intolerance to the ordered enteral feeding solution. Other signs and symptoms of feeding intolerance include abdominal cramps, nausea, aspiration, and glycosuria. Electrolyte disturbances, constipation, dehydration, and hypercapnia are complications of enteral feedings, not signs of intolerance. Hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia, is a potential complication of enteral feedings.