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    Vati PN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam

    A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a gastrostomy tube and is experiencing diarrhea. Which of the following factors should the nurse identify as a potential cause of the diarrhea?

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. The formula infusion rate of the feeding was too slow: A slow infusion rate generally decreases the risk of diarrhea because the gastrointestinal tract has more time to absorb nutrients. Rapid administration is more commonly associated with osmotic diarrhea due to overwhelming intestinal absorption capacity, so a slow rate is an unlikely cause. B. The formula was given immediately following removal from the refrigerator: Cold formula can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa and disrupt normal digestive enzyme activity, leading to increased motility and diarrhea. Allowing the formula to reach room or body temperature before administration helps reduce gastric upset and osmotic diarrhea. C. The feeding tube was partially obstructed during the infusion: Partial obstruction typically slows or interrupts the flow of formula, which may cause bloating or nausea but does not usually result in diarrhea. The decreased delivery rate reduces intestinal osmotic load rather than triggering loose stools. D. The client is experiencing delayed gastric emptying: Delayed gastric emptying slows the passage of formula into the small intestine, which can cause nausea, vomiting, or reflux, but it does not commonly cause diarrhea. Diarrhea is more associated with rapid gastric emptying or malabsorption rather than delayed emptying.

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