An elderly patient with Alzheimer's disease begins supplemental tube feedings through a gastrostomy tube to provide adequate calorie intake. The nurse should be concerned most with the potential for:
A) Hypoglycemia
B) Fluid volume excess
C) Aspiration
D) Constipation
Ans: C
Feedback: Of the choices listed, aspiration is the most serious potential complication of tube
feedings. Dehydration, not fluid volume excess, is a concern because of decreased free water intake. Hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia, is a complication secondary to carbohydrate load of enteral feeding solutions. Constipation is a problem, but it usually isn't a serious one. The patient would most likely experience diarrhea.
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