What action should the nurse address immediately with the nursing assistive personnel (NAP) regarding enteral feedings?

When addressing enteral feedings, it is critical to ensure that the patient's head is elevated during the feeding process to prevent complications like aspiration. Placing a patient in a supine position while administering enteral feedings is inappropriate, as it increases the risk for aspiration, which can occur if the feeding formula flows back into the esophagus due to gravity. Aspiration can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia.

Elevating the head of the bed to at least 30 to 45 degrees during enteral feedings is a fundamental nursing action to maintain a safe environment for the patient. This position allows the feed to flow into the stomach more effectively and reduces the chance of the feeding material entering the lungs. Given this context, addressing the action related to placing the patient supine is paramount to ensuring patient safety during enteral feedings.