A 22-year-old male client is recovering in a rehabilitation unit following a traumatic brain injury with dysphagia. He has a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube in place for nutrition, currently receiving continuous formula at 60 mL/hr, with the last documented residual of 40 mL four hours ago. He is also on contact precautions for a wound colonized with MRSA. His vital signs are temperature 37.2°C, heart rate 88/min, respirations 18/min, blood pressure 118/76 mmHg, and oxygen saturation 96% on room air. The client is due for his scheduled intermittent bolus feeding. The LPN dons gown and gloves per precautions and enters the room to prepare the feeding. What should the LPN do first?
- Independently increase the feeding rate since the client tolerated the last feeding well.
- Elevate the head of the bed and verify tube placement before administering the bolus feeding.
- Begin the bolus feeding immediately while the client remains supine to save time.
- Offer the client a small cup of water by mouth before starting the tube feeding.