Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Exam Neonatal Nutrition and Feeding 2

Question 1

A neonate with suspected NEC has abdominal X-ray showing pneumatosis intestinalis. This finding represents:

Accepted Answer

Gas within the intestinal wall, a pathognomonic sign of NEC

Answer

Pneumatosis intestinalis (intramural gas) is produced by gas-forming bacteria invading damaged intestinal mucosa and is pathognomonic for NEC.

Question 2

Bell's staging criteria classifies NEC into stages I, IIA/B, and IIIA/B. Stage III requires:

Accepted Answer

Surgical intervention due to intestinal perforation or severe deterioration

Answer

Bell Stage III NEC involves intestinal perforation or clinical deterioration with peritonitis, requiring surgical management including exploratory laparotomy.

Question 3

The caloric goal for adequate growth in a preterm NICU infant is approximately:

Accepted Answer

110–130 kcal/kg/day

Answer

Preterm infants require 110–130 kcal/kg/day enterally to achieve weight gain of approximately 15–20 g/kg/day comparable to intrauterine growth.

Question 4

Gastroesophageal reflux in the NICU is best managed initially by:

Accepted Answer

Positioning, smaller more frequent feeds, and thickening feeds before pharmacotherapy

Answer

Conservative non-pharmacological measures are first-line for neonatal GER; evidence for pharmacotherapy in neonates is limited and carries risks.

Question 5

A neonate receiving TPN develops glucose in the urine (glucosuria). The most likely cause is:

Accepted Answer

Hyperglycemia exceeding the renal glucose threshold

Answer

Neonatal glucosuria occurs when blood glucose exceeds the renal tubular threshold (~150–180 mg/dL), causing glucose to spill into urine.

Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Exam Practice Test

Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Exam Practice Test

Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Exam Neonatal Nutrition and Feeding 2