NMC CBT Nutrition and Fluid Balance 2

Question 1

Before administering the first feed via a newly inserted nasogastric tube, which method is the GOLD STANDARD for confirming correct tube position?

Accepted Answer

Confirming position with a chest X-ray

Answer

A chest X-ray is the gold standard for confirming nasogastric tube position before the first feed, especially when pH aspirate is inconclusive.

Question 2

A patient develops signs of fluid overload. Which combination of findings is MOST consistent with this condition?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension, peripheral oedema, and bibasal crackles

Answer

Fluid overload presents with hypertension, dependent oedema, and pulmonary oedema signs such as bibasal crackles due to excess intravascular and interstitial fluid.

Question 3

A patient is prescribed Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). Which vascular access route is MOST appropriate for long-term TPN administration?

Accepted Answer

Central venous catheter

Answer

TPN is a hypertonic solution that must be administered via a central venous catheter to avoid peripheral vein damage and thrombophlebitis.

Question 4

Which laboratory marker is commonly used to assess a patient's long-term nutritional status and protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Serum albumin

Answer

Serum albumin reflects nutritional status over weeks as it is synthesised by the liver and has a half-life of approximately 20 days, indicating chronic protein adequacy.

Question 5

A patient with dysphagia is assessed by the speech and language therapy team and placed on a modified texture diet. According to the IDDSI framework, which descriptor refers to a smooth, cohesive food that requires no chewing?

Accepted Answer

Pureed

Answer

IDDSI Level 4 (Pureed) describes food that is smooth, uniform, and cohesive with no lumps, requiring no chewing and suitable for patients with severe dysphagia.

(NMC CBT) Nursing and Midwifery Council Computer-Based Test Practice Test

(NMC CBT) Nursing and Midwifery Council Computer-Based Test Practice Test

NMC CBT Nutrition and Fluid Balance 2