Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Exam Neonatal Nutrition and Feeding

Question 1

The preferred enteral nutrition for preterm infants in the NICU is:

Accepted Answer

Human breast milk (mother's own milk or pasteurized donor milk)

Answer

Standard term infant formula

Answer

Soy-based formula

Answer

Glucose water initially for all preterm infants

Question 2

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is most commonly seen in:

Accepted Answer

Preterm infants under 32 weeks gestation

Answer

Term infants only

Answer

Infants exclusively receiving breast milk

Answer

Post-term infants over 42 weeks

Question 3

Which sign is an early indicator of feeding intolerance in a tube-fed neonate?

Accepted Answer

Increasing gastric residuals, abdominal distension, or emesis

Answer

Increased urine output

Answer

Weight gain greater than 30 g/day

Answer

Improving SpO2 after feedings

Question 4

Kangaroo mother care (skin-to-skin) has been shown to:

Accepted Answer

Improve breastfeeding rates, stabilize vital signs, and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes

Answer

Increase risk of hypothermia in preterm infants

Answer

Reduce breast milk production

Answer

Be contraindicated for infants on respiratory support

Question 5

Human milk fortifier (HMF) is added to breast milk for preterm infants because:

Accepted Answer

Breast milk alone does not meet the elevated protein, calcium, and phosphorus needs of preterm infants

Answer

Breast milk contains too many calories for preterm infants

Answer

Formula is not available in most NICUs

Answer

HMF reduces NEC risk by adding probiotics

Question 6

The sucking-swallowing-breathing coordination necessary for safe oral feeding typically matures at approximately:

Accepted Answer

33–35 weeks postmenstrual age

Answer

24–28 weeks gestational age

Answer

Term (40 weeks) and not before

Answer

6 weeks postnatal age regardless of gestation