Reference no: EM133645929

Question

A typical symptom of the Covid 19 virus is the loss of the sense of taste and/or smell. In this situation, the client has recovered from all the other symptoms. The continuing lack of sense of smell and taste are interfering with the ability for the client to have adequate nutrition. The practical nurse (PN) would do a focused assessment of the client for a nutritional history, prior weight loss or gain and activity level. Measurement of the plasma proteins is necessary to understand the client's nutritional status and severity of the malnutrition. When a nasogastric tube is inserted, it is necessary for the PN to check the pH of the aspirate and to have an x-ray to confirm the correct placement of the tube. The pH of stomach aspirate should be less than 5.0. When enteral feedings begin the head of the bed should remain between 30 to 45 degrees. Continuous enteral feedings should be started at 20 to 40 mL/hour. The volume is advanced 10 to 20 mL/hour until the target volume is reached. Gastric residuals can be measured to determine if the stomach is emptying the contents of the enteral feedings. The PN can also monitor for.