NMBI Nutrition and Fluid Balance 2

Question 1

Which body mass index (BMI) range is classified as 'normal weight' by the World Health Organization?

Accepted Answer

18.5–24.9

Answer

A BMI of 18.5–24.9 kg/m² is the WHO-defined normal weight range; below this is underweight and above is overweight.

Question 2

A patient receiving nasogastric (NG) tube feeding develops diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, and vomiting. What is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Feeding rate too fast

Answer

Administering enteral feeds too rapidly is a common cause of gastrointestinal intolerance including diarrhoea and cramping.

Question 3

Before commencing a nasogastric tube feed, what is the GOLD STANDARD method for confirming correct tube placement?

Accepted Answer

Checking aspirate pH with a CE-marked pH strip

Answer

NPSA guidance recommends testing aspirate pH using CE-marked pH indicator strips; pH ≤5.5 confirms gastric placement.

Question 4

Which condition describes excessive fluid accumulation in the interstitial spaces of tissues?

Accepted Answer

Oedema

Answer

Oedema is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the interstitial space, presenting as swelling, most commonly in dependent areas.

Question 5

A patient who has been starved for an extended period begins re-feeding. What dangerous metabolic complication must nurses monitor for?

Accepted Answer

Refeeding syndrome

Answer

Refeeding syndrome occurs when nutrition is reintroduced after prolonged starvation, causing dangerous electrolyte shifts particularly of phosphate, potassium, and magnesium.

NMBI Practice Test

NMBI Practice Test

NMBI Nutrition and Fluid Balance 2