Why does the nurse check feeding tube placement?

The nurse checks feeding tube placement primarily to prevent aspiration. Aspiration occurs when food, liquid, or other substances enter the airway instead of the stomach, which can lead to serious complications such as choking, pneumonia, or respiratory distress. Ensuring that the feeding tube is correctly placed in the stomach or intestine is crucial for safe feeding practices.

If the tube is not in the right position, delivering nutrition could lead to the contents being directed into the lungs rather than the digestive system. Therefore, verifying the placement before administering feedings is a critical nursing responsibility that safeguards the patient's health and well-being.

Other options, while they touch on aspects of patient care, do not directly address the primary concern of aspiration prevention. For example, checking for comfort may be important in the overall care of the patient, but it does not specifically relate to the safety of the feeding process. Similarly, measuring the tube's length and verifying the temperature of the feeding can be important procedures, yet they do not focus on the critical issue of ensuring the tube is placed correctly to avoid aspiration risks.