CNA Prometric Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Resource

In the context of caring for a patient with a feeding tube, monitoring the placement of the feeding tube before use is the most crucial action. This step is essential to ensure that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach or small intestine and not misplaced in the lungs or other incorrect locations. Misplacement can lead to serious complications, such as aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when food or liquid enters the lungs, causing infection and respiratory distress.

Ensuring proper tube placement can be accomplished through various methods, such as checking pH levels of aspirate, visual inspection, and using imaging techniques if necessary. Confirming the placement is vital before any feeding is initiated, as it ensures the safety and effectiveness of the tube feeding process.

While other actions related to feeding tube care are important, such as patient positioning, respecting their feeding schedule, or managing fluid intake, they do not supersede the critical importance of confirming tube placement. Proper placement is the foundation upon which safe feeding practices are built.