What nursing action should be implemented when intermittently gavage-feeding a preterm infant?

What nursing action should be implemented when intermittently gavage-feeding a preterm infant?

• A. Allow formula to flow by gravity
• B. Avoid letting infant suck on tube
• C. Insert feeding tube through nares
• D. Apply steady pressure to syringe

Answer: (A)

Controlling how quickly the formula enters the stomach is essential when giving intermittent bolus feedings to a preterm infant. Letting the formula flow by gravity provides a slow, steady rate that the immature gastrointestinal system can tolerate, reducing the risk of distension, reflux, and aspiration. Using pressure on a syringe or squeezing to push the formula delivers it too quickly and can overwhelm the infant’s tiny GI tract. Replacing gravity flow with tube-placement actions like inserting the tube through the nose is a setup step rather than a feeding technique used during intermittent gavage feeding. So, using gravity to regulate the flow is the safest, most appropriate method.

Controlling how quickly the formula enters the stomach is essential when giving intermittent bolus feedings to a preterm infant. Letting the formula flow by gravity provides a slow, steady rate that the immature gastrointestinal system can tolerate, reducing the risk of distension, reflux, and aspiration. Using pressure on a syringe or squeezing to push the formula delivers it too quickly and can overwhelm the infant’s tiny GI tract. Replacing gravity flow with tube-placement actions like inserting the tube through the nose is a setup step rather than a feeding technique used during intermittent gavage feeding. So, using gravity to regulate the flow is the safest, most appropriate method.