Consolidated Political Compass Test (CPCT) Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

Keeping the head of the bed elevated at least 30 degrees is essential for a patient with a feeding tube to minimize the risk of aspiration. Aspiration occurs when food or liquid enters the airway, which can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia. Elevating the head of the bed helps ensure that the feeding goes down smoothly into the stomach and reduces the likelihood of the stomach contents moving back up into the esophagus.

The practice of keeping the bed elevated is a standard protocol in the care of patients with feeding tubes, particularly when administering enteral feedings. This position promotes better digestion and can help prevent discomfort as well.

While changing the feeding solution every 24 hours, flushing the tube with saline before feeding, and checking tube placement regularly are also important practices in the overall care of patients with feeding tubes, the elevation of the head of the bed specifically addresses the critical concern of aspiration risk, making it the most crucial action in this context.