While delivering a bolus feeding, the patient regurgitates formula with coughing. What is the correct action?

While delivering a bolus feeding, the patient regurgitates formula with coughing. What is the correct action?

• A. Continue the administration at the same rate
• B. Discontinue the administration of the bolus feeding
• C. Pause the feeding to check the tube placement
• D. Slow the rate and reassess

Answer: (B)

When regurgitation occurs with coughing during a bolus feeding, it signals a risk that formula could be entering the airway. The immediate priority is airway protection, so discontinue the bolus feeding right away. After stopping, assess and support the patient’s breathing, keep the head elevated to reduce aspiration risk, and suction if needed. Once the patient is stable, evaluate tube placement and consider restarting feeding only with appropriate precautions, such as switching to a slower or continuous method and confirming proper tube position before resuming. Continuing at the same rate wouldn’t prevent further aspiration, and pausing or simply slowing the rate doesn’t adequately address the immediate airway risk.

When regurgitation occurs with coughing during a bolus feeding, it signals a risk that formula could be entering the airway. The immediate priority is airway protection, so discontinue the bolus feeding right away. After stopping, assess and support the patient’s breathing, keep the head elevated to reduce aspiration risk, and suction if needed. Once the patient is stable, evaluate tube placement and consider restarting feeding only with appropriate precautions, such as switching to a slower or continuous method and confirming proper tube position before resuming. Continuing at the same rate wouldn’t prevent further aspiration, and pausing or simply slowing the rate doesn’t adequately address the immediate airway risk.