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

Human milk reduces NEC risk, improves immune function, and supports neurodevelopment; it is the gold standard for preterm nutrition.

Question 2

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is most commonly seen in:

Accepted Answer

Preterm infants under 32 weeks gestation

Answer

NEC primarily affects preterm infants whose immature gut mucosa is susceptible to ischemia and bacterial overgrowth.

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

Increasing gastric residuals, abdominal distension, and vomiting are early signs of feeding intolerance requiring reassessment of feeding plan.

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

Kangaroo care provides warmth, promotes bonding, increases milk production, and improves cardiovascular stability in NICU infants.

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

Preterm infants have higher nutrient requirements for growth; HMF supplements protein, minerals, and vitamins to optimize preterm bone and growth outcomes.

Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Exam Practice Test

Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Exam Practice Test

Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Exam Neonatal Nutrition and Feeding