The nurse is preparing to administer a formula feeding by nasogastric tube (NGT) to a 2-month-old. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

A. Microwave refrigerated formula to room temperature: Microwaving can cause uneven heating, creating hot spots that may burn the infant’s mouth or stomach, so it should be avoided for warming formula. B. Hold the infant with head and shoulders slightly elevated: Elevating the head and shoulders during feeding reduces the risk of aspiration and promotes safer swallowing and gastric emptying. C. Measure and discard residual gastric contents before feeding: Measuring gastric residual is important, but discarding it without assessing volume or consulting guidelines may lead to loss of important electrolytes and stomach acid balance. D. Use the syringe plunger to push formula at a rate of 5 mL/minute: Using a plunger can create too much pressure, increasing the risk of gastric distension, discomfort, and aspiration; gravity feeding or gentle pushing without pressure is safer.