What should be checked before preparing enteral feedings?

Before preparing enteral feedings, it is essential to check the formula expiration date and correctness. This is crucial because expired formula may contain harmful bacteria or have diminished nutritional value, which can lead to adverse health effects for the patient. Ensuring the formula's correctness—meaning it is the right type prescribed for the patient and prepared as instructed—is vital for meeting the patient's dietary needs and preventing complications like diarrhea or inadequate nutrient intake.

While assessing the client's comfort level is important for overall care and can affect their willingness to receive the feeding, it does not directly relate to the safety or nutritional adequacy of the feedings. The temperature of the room and the amount of gastric residual are also important considerations, but they pertain more to the administration and monitoring phase rather than the preparation of the enteral feedings. Therefore, verifying the formula's expiration date and correctness is the most critical step in ensuring safe and effective enteral nutrition.