When preparing to administer an intermittent enteral feeding through a nasogastric tube, which assessment should be prioritized by the nurse?

In the context of administering intermittent enteral feeding through a nasogastric tube, prioritizing the evaluation of the absorption of the last feeding is crucial to ensure that the patient is receiving adequate nutrition effectively. This assessment helps verify that the feeding regimen is appropriate for the patient's digestive capabilities.

Assessing absorption provides insight into how well the patient's gastrointestinal tract is processing the formula, which can indicate the patient’s tolerance to the feeding and help in identifying any potential complications such as delayed gastric emptying or intolerance to the formula being administered. Proper absorption is essential for meeting the patient's nutritional needs and for guiding future feeding decisions.

While other assessments, such as monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance and checking for digestion of the formula, are important, they follow the necessity to ensure that the previous feeding has been adequately absorbed. If absorption is compromised, the nurse can address that issue before proceeding with further feedings or adjusting the regimen.