If a client receiving intermittent enteral feedings develops diarrhea, what should the nurse do?

When a client receiving intermittent enteral feedings develops diarrhea, slowing the infusion rate is an appropriate response. By reducing the infusion rate, the gastrointestinal tract has more time to digest and absorb the formula, potentially alleviating the diarrhea. This approach allows for assessing whether the gastrointestinal system can handle smaller amounts of feedings without resulting in loose stools.

Slowing the infusion can also help identify if the diarrhea is related to the speed of the feedings rather than other factors, such as the composition of the feed or the patient's underlying condition. It's a commonly recommended first step in managing the complication of diarrhea in the context of enteral nutrition.

Other approaches, while potentially useful in different scenarios, are not the immediate next steps in this situation. Stopping the feedings altogether may lead to inadequate nutrition, while increasing the volume of feedings could exacerbate the diarrhea. Changing the formula could be considered later if the issue persists, but it is typically not the first intervention without first addressing the rate of administration.