A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a toddler who is receiving intermittent enteral feedings. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

When administering intermittent enteral feedings to a toddler, the rate of infusion should be controlled to prevent complications such as aspiration, vomiting, or cramping. A rate of 10 mL/min is considered appropriate for intermittent gravity feedings in pediatric patients, allowing the stomach to fill gradually without overwhelming the digestive system. This rate supports tolerance and reduces the risk of reflux. Maintaining the child in a supine position is incorrect and dangerous because it significantly increases the risk of aspiration; the head of the bed should be elevated at least 30 to 45 degrees during and after feedings. Warming the feeding in a microwave oven is unsafe because microwaves heat unevenly, creating hot spots that can burn the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract; formula should be warmed by placing the container in warm water instead. Discarding gastric residuals prior to each feeding is not the correct approach; gastric residuals should be measured and re-instilled (returned) to the stomach to prevent fluid and electrolyte loss, unless the volume exceeds established limits that would indicate intolerance. The nurse should document residual volumes and report large amounts to the provider rather than routinely discarding them.