The nurse provides teaching to a client who will begin to receive tube feedings after a total laryngectomy. The nurse concludes that the teaching was understood when the client makes which statement about tube feedings?

I will need tube feedings until healing of the incision is complete.

Explanation:

In this case, it is better to avoid food until the area is completely healed and this will stop any form of contamination or irritation. Because the structure was altered, the gag reflex is absent. The ability of the patient to belch does not impact the decision to resume feeding through the mouth. It is important to note that while such client can still tolerate feeding via the mouth, it is only withheld for a period to ensure that the surgical site is not irritated until it has completely healed.