2. a. Small-bore nasointestinal tube is best for feeding. This reduces the risk of aspiration.
b. Because the tube in is the intestine, initial tube placement is verified by x-ray film.
c. Begin tube feedings with a polymeric (10 to 2 kcal/mL) whole-nutrient formula. Mrs. Cooper does not have any contraindications such as dysfunctional gastrointestinal absorption, liver failure, pulmonary disease, or human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection to using this type of formula.
d. Complications that Mrs. Cooper needs to be assessed for include aspiration, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, delayed gastric emptying, fluid overload, hyperosmolar dehydration, and serum electrolyte imbalances.